Darley colt Solemn has been ruled out of the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday due to an elevated temperature.

The withdrawal, which was confirmed by Racing Victoria stewards on twitter, further weakens a Derby that many in the industry believe lacks depth.

“Stewards formally advised that Solemn will not be accepting for the AAMI Victoria Derby Flemington 3/10/12, due elevated temperature,” the official Racing Victoria Stewards’ account tweeted.

The Peter Snowden-trained colt shot into Derby contention last week when producing a convincing victory in the Listed Geelong Classic (2200m).

Solemn was a $6 chance in the Victoria Derby market which has seen a reshuffle following his withdrawal.

It’s A Dundeel, who drifted after a shock defeat in the Mitchelton Wines Vase (2040m) on Saturday, has firmed to a clear favourite at $2.50 ahead of the Peter Gelagotis-trained Hvasstan ($5.50) and Vase winner Super Cool ($6).

New Zealand colt It’s A Dundeel was unbeaten from five starts prior to Saturday but failed to show his usual finish, running home two lengths behind Super Cool.

The Mark Kavanagh-trained Super Cool showed an appreciation for the staying trip, with Saturday’s breakthrough stakes victory the first time he had been tested above 1600 metres.