Makati Galahad is out of this month's Auckland Trotting Cup.
Connections of the Southland-owned pacer have resisted the temptation of a group-one prize, citing a heavy spring campaign as the principal factor in the horse's withdrawal.
Winton owner Ken Dixon said Makati Galahad had come through the New Zealand Cup carnival in
good order but the thought of three hard runs on a right-handed track swayed their decision not to go.
Instead, the horse might race at Addington on Thursday before a three-week break.
Dixon's decision not to chase one of New Zealand's premier races is based on his horse's inexperience.
Twelve months ago, Makati Galahad was an erratic class-one performer. Now, after 28 starts, he is one of New Zealand's best pacers.
He broke 900m out in the NZ Cup but three days later ran third in the the Free-For-All.
- NZPA
