Mohaafeth, a strong fancy for the Epsom Derby, has been taken out hours before Saturday's race after a "lot of soul searching" said trainer William Haggas. Haggas -- who won the Derby with Shaamit in 1996 -- told ITV he did not feel the 10/1 chance would have liked the rain-softened ground. Mohaafeth -- who was to run in the colours of the late Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum -- will instead be aimed at Royal Ascot in a fortnight's time. "There has been lots of soul searching and discussion and we have decided to scratch," said Haagas. "The decision was left to me and I don't feel the horse is good on dead ground and it is dead. "I don't really want to run in a race I don't think I can win." A sad-looking Haggas said the heavy rain on Friday had put paid to their chances even though the sun on Saturday was drying the ground. "We won't ever know if it (decision) is right or wrong," he said. "Everyone wants to win the Derby but you have to have a fighting chance. "This is a bump in the road. Yes it is sad but I am relieved." His withdrawal leaves 11 runners with Aidan O'Brien's Bolshoi Ballet favoured to give him his ninth win in the blue riband of flat racing. pi/nr