Trainer Jim Taylor has decided against a Winterbottom Stakes start for Barakey and will send the unbeaten sprinter for a spell.
Taylor was considering running Barakey in the $500,000 Winterbottom (1200m) on Saturday week following the withdrawal of champion Black Caviar on Monday.
He said his decision on Tuesday was in the best interests of the horse after a long first campaign.
Barakey is unbeaten in six starts in the west including a two-length victory at Ascot last Saturday.
He was elevated to $2.30 Winterbottom favourite on Monday following news Black Caviar wouldn’t be making the trip to Perth.
“He worked this morning and he’s just had enough,” Taylor told AAP.
“I’ve just decided he’s just not as bright as his normal self.
“I think he’s got a pretty big career ahead of him so I think it’s best to pull up stumps.
“I think he’ll be a pretty nice horse next time in six months time.”
Crack sprinting mare Ortensia is now $2.50 favourite with TAB Sportsbet to win the race for a second time.
The race carries Group One status for the first time.
Ortensia is booked on a plane from Melbourne to Perth on Tuesday night.
Waratah’s Secret is now second favourite at $4.20 with All Friared Up and Rarefied at $6.50.
Barakey is expected to be aimed at feature handicap sprints in Melbourne in the autumn.
AAP TURF
