Pre-post Karaka Million (1200m) favourite Long Leaf (Fastnet Rock) is out of the Ellerslie feature.
The Victorian youngster earned a $4.50 quote for the January 27 feature following his debut win at Morphettville and further success in the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m) at Sandown.
However, co-trainer David Hayes has decided against a trip to New Zealand, instead setting Long Leaf for next month’s Gr.1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
“He’s going really well and as tempting as the New Zealand race is I’m going to stay at home,” he said.
“At the time it wasn’t apparent, but the form out of his race (the Merson Cooper) has worked out so well I’m going to stay here and aim him at the Blue Diamond.”
Long Leaf was purchased for $750,000 from Curraghmore's 2017 NZB Premier draft and was bred by Caradale Pty Ltd. -NZ Racing Desk
