PARTHENON has been declared a non-runner for Tuesday’s Betfair Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

Godolphin’s three-year-old colt is lame.

His defection leaves nine runners set to go to post for the Group Three contest over a mile and a half.

Harbinger returns to the track after a lengthy lay-off and he will be tackling a mile and a half for the first time.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt finished a close second on his racecourse bow in the Wood Ditton Stakes in April before breaking his maiden with an impressive win at Chester.

Changingoftheguard, runner-up on that occasion, has since gone on to win a decent handicap at Down Royal and is among the leading lights for the Ebor next month.

Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, is taking much encouragement from that fact, but is expecting Harbinger to improve for the outing.

“He’s reported to in very good shape but he’s been off a while as he pulled a muscle in his quarters after Chester,” he said.

“It took a while to come right and Sir Michael didn’t have the time to do the work with him for the King Edward VII at Ascot.

“Once we realised that was out of the frame, it was just a case of finding the next opportunity for him.

“This looks a sensible target and he has really been trained for the race - although we think he will improve significantly for the run.

“He’s a nice horse, a very relaxed worker. He finished full of running at Chester so the step up in trip should hopefully suit - and he goes on all ground.”

Harbinger is as low as 7-1 for the St Leger with totesport but Herbert is not keen to look too far ahead, although he is hoping next month’s Ladbrokes Great Voltigeur Stakes at York could be a viable aim.

“We’re just taking it one step at a time with him.”

CHRIS WRIGHT'S NAP: Sweet Lightning (2.10pm Goodwood)