The Geraldy Ryan trained Menari has suffered a minor setback, which has ruled him out of races like the $2.5m Group I TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick in April.
The top three-year-old colt suffered a joint problem when working last week and while his trainer says while the issue won't have a long term affect on the son of Snitzel, time isn't on his side with the Group I targets of the Galaxy and TJ Smith Stakes scheduled for March 24 and April 7.
"He galloped last Tuesday and wrenched a joint," Ryan said.
"The X-rays were OK, but he hasn't responded as quickly as I'd have liked.
"He's still here and we haven't given up on a possible Brisbane campaign but it's more likely he'll spell and come back from the spring."
Menari has won three of his eight starts and was an $11 second favourite for the TJ Smith Stakes.
A homebred for Corumbene Stud, he is seen as a very appealing stallion prospect albeit is yet to win at Group I level.