Highly rated Tony McEvoy-trained colt Royal Symphony has been ruled out of the autumn carnival because of injury.

A Racing Victoria stewards release on Thursday said the stable had advised Royal Symphony had suffered a lesion to his off fore suspensory.

Royal Symphony was expected to be one of the main contenders for the Group One Australian Guineas at Flemington in March.

The three-year-old made a big impression during 2017, winning his first four starts including two Listed races at Flemington.

He suffered his first defeat when fourth in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude and then was fourth in the Group One Caulfield Guineas after being blocked for a run at a crucial stage near the 400m.

Royal Symphony was spelled after finishing fourth in the $3 million weight-for-age Cox Plate (2040m) in October, won for a record-equalling third time by champion mare Winx.