Bonfire has been declared a non-runner for this afternoon's Stobart Barristers Dee Stakes at Chester.
Kingsclere trainer Andrew Balding has taken out the promising colt due to the ground being unsuitable.
The going is currently soft, heavy in places.
Bonfire was due to be sent off the likely favourite for the Dee Stakes following an outstanding third in the Criterium International at Saint-Cloud last October.
He is also prominent in the ante-post betting lists for next month's Investec Epsom Derby.Balding said: "It's no fault of Chester, who have been trying to deal with an impossible job due to the rain they've had, but we didn't feel it was fair to run the horse on that ground.
"It would have done more harm than good, so we'll now have a rethink."
Bonfire will now be considered for next Thursday's Dante Stakes at York, but could also run in the Derby without a prep race.
Balding said: "He'll be confirmed (for the Dante), and it is a possibility, but we'll discuss it at the weekend.
"It (running in the Derby without a prior race) has been done before.
"It wouldn't be ideal, but it's also an option."
