Talented three-year-old Holy Mongolemperor has gone for a spell and will not contest the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton, for which he is the $8 second favourite behind Catalyst ($1.80).

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained colt by More Than Ready was hindered by a minor infection in a hind leg and the decision was made to pull pin on his current campaign.

“He has gone to the paddock today and will come back with a view to summer and autumn targets,” Baker said. “He’s a lovely colt and we look forward to next campaign.”