Reigning NSW Horse of the Year Streama won't be seen again until the Sydney autumn but Guy Walter still hopes to end the Melbourne carnival on a high note.
Streama had to be scratched from last Saturday's Group One Emirates Stakes on the eve of the event with a veterinary issue and has been sent for a spell.
"She was scratched because she had a bruised heel and she won't race again until February or March now," Walter said.
"She'll come back for the Coolmore Classic and Doncaster, hopefully."
Walter will look to another of his mares, Skyerush, to step up to the plate at Sandown on Saturday.
Along with Streama, Skyerush contested the Group One Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington on November 3 which was won by stablemate Appearance.
For the second year in a row, Skyerush finished fourth in the Myer, delighting Walter with her performance.
But the trainer lamented a wide barrier draw for the mare in this Saturday's Listed Summoned Stakes (1500m).
Skyerush has drawn barrier 16 in the field of 16 plus three emergencies but will come into 13 if the reserves don't gain a start.
"I was very, very happy with her run in the Myer. She's been a very consistent mare, she's been Group One placed and has won a couple of stakes races," Walter said.
"But she'll need a lot of luck on Saturday from that alley now."