DR MASSINI was removed from some bookmakers' Derby betting lists after the Michael Stoute trained colt pulled out lame on his off fore yesterday morning. The injury scare, just 19 days before the big race at Epsom, comes hot on the heels of his emergence as a genuine Derby candidate when blitzing his opposition at York last week.

That emphatic victory in the Michael Seely Memorial Glasgow Stakes by three and a half lengths from King Alex prompted bookies to immediately lower the colt from double figures to a lofty perch among the big race favourites and as low as 5 to 1 favourite in one list.

But yesterday afternoon, the powerful Freemason Lodge yard of Michael Stoute issued the following statement.

"Dr Massini pulled out lame on his off fore leg this morning. The lameness is being investigated. We will issue a further statement when we are in a position to do so."

The stable are expected to make another statement this morning after assessing the condition of the colt overnight.

Coral as well as other book makers now quote the Sadler's Wells colt at 9 to 2 "with a run". But Hills presented one dissenting voice, leaving the colt in their betting at 5 to 1 second favourite after consulting with their HQ "sources".

Spokesman Graham Sharpe said. "We keep him at 5 to 1 second favourite as we understand he is sore rather than having any severe problem which should interfere with hi preparation if anything. Subsequently proves us wrong then so be it, but we will wait and see. In the meantime, we see no reason to alter the price of the horse."

Inn Wassell, spokesman for Ladbrokes, said. "He was backed from 33 to 1 down to 16s before York and since he won there last week, he's been further supported from 7 to 1 down to 9 to 2 favourite.

"I couldn't say that ours' liabilities were great because he hasn't been around that long. We have taken him out of the list and now quote him at 4 to 1 with a run.

The news came as a further blow to ante post Derby punters after fellow Newmarket contender Dushyantor was found to have an infection in his hoof since running in the Dante Stakes last Wednesday and the much vaunted Nash House was well beaten in the same race.

Although Dushyantor has since firmed in the market following upbeat reports from trainer Henry Cecil the colt has worked satisfactorily and remains on track for Epsom Nash House seems to have but an outside chance of making the line up.