Trainer Neville Parnham has been forced to sideline two of his leading gallopers, Bustler and September Born, due to health setbacks during their winter preparations.

Bustler made two starts at Pinjarra but failed to impress, while September Born’s return has again been cut short after a promising start to his career last season.

September Born made an immediate impact last year with victory in the Fairetha Stakes (1400m), following a strong second in the Belgravia Stakes (1200m).

Parnham, erring on the side of caution, opted to spell the colt.

“He’s going to the paddock, he’s got some bruising on his bone,” Parnham said to Racing WA. “It needs time to settle.”

He added, “We would be band-aiding him up and he’s got too much talent for that.”

September Born was being groomed to follow in the hoofprints of full sister Kay Cee, a dual feature winner.

Bustler’s form has been underwhelming this prep, with no excuses found in his runs in the Belmont Sprint (1400m) and Hyperion Stakes (1600m).

“He hit his front joint… both times at Pinjarra,” Parnham noted, suggesting the venue may not suit the gelding.

Despite their absence, God’s Gate could provide stable representation in the Raconteur Stakes after a strong recent effort.

“That’s the best I’ve seen him finish a race off,” Parnham said.

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