Multiple Group One winner The Bostonian is a notable absentee from the Chelmsford Stakes meeting at Randwick after trainer Tony Pike opted to rejig his spring plans.
Pike is in New Zealand and unable to travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic but he has sent stable foreman Chris McNab to Sydney to oversee his carnival team.
McNab emerged from quarantine this week and after seeing The Bostonian first-hand, he advised Pike the horse needed more time to recover from a taxing first-up run.
The Bostonian raced on-speed and faded late when seventh to Verry Eleegant in the Winx Stakes two weeks ago.
He was nominated for both the Chelmsford (1600m) and Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday but was not among acceptances for either.
“Chris McNab had a look at the horse on Monday and thought he had just lightened up a touch after that fresh-up run,” Pike told the NZ Racing Desk.
“There are some lovely races coming up for him over the next two or three months, so we thought we would take the cautious approach and freshen him up.”
Pike said The Bostonian was likely to have his next start in the Group Two Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 3.