Wanganui trainer Raymond Connors put a circle around the Gr.1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) several months ago for promising stayer Hurry Cane (NZ) (Nom Du Jeu), but injury has put a halt to those plans.

The eight-year-old gelding was heading towards the two-mile feature at Ellerslie on Saturday in pleasing form, having finished fifth in the Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m) last month and he would have had conditions to suit this weekend.

However, Connors said Hurry Cane had a bit of swelling around his knee a couple of days after the Avondale Cup and he has decided to err on the side of caution with the gelding.

“It was a good run in the Avondale Cup, but unfortunately he didn’t pull up that well, his leg was a bit swollen. It is just behind the knee that is a bit sore. How bad it is I am not really sure.

“We have had to put him out, which is a bit disappointing. We have got to get his leg scanned again next week.

“He will be back, but probably more towards the end of winter.”

Connors believes Hurry Cane would have been a major contender for the Auckland Cup on Saturday but said he will now have to set his sights towards the race next year.

“He would have been a good chance (in the Auckland Cup), especially with a bit of a rain,” he said.

“The Auckland Cup is what I was looking forward to, but unfortunately that is not going to eventuate. That will be next year’s plan now.”