One of the earliest slot confirmations for this year’s The Everest, Private Harry will not take his place at Randwick on October 18 after his spring preparation was cut short.

The Nathan Doyle-trained four-year-old, a winner of his first five starts, finished 4-1/2 lengths from the winner when fifth in Saturday’s Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m), having also finished 4-1/2 lengths fifth in the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) on September 20.

Post-race examinations revealed lameness in the near foreleg and, on Monday morning, part-owner Yulong confirmed the gelding will undergo further testing before heading to the paddock.

“It’s obviously disappointing but we need to do what’s best for the horse,” Yulong’s chief operating officer Sam Fairgray said.

“He’s far better than his last two runs would suggest, so there is clearly something amiss that we need to look into further.

“Nathan Doyle’s team will take him into the clinic this week for a thorough investigation, which hopefully will shed some light on the situation and let us plan an appropriate path for him.”

Private Harry had been slated for Yulong’s slot in The Everest, with the ownership group now assessing alternatives. Yulong still has Angel Capital (for James Harron) and Magic Time (secured by Inglis) engaged for the sprint feature.

Magic Time was one of three runners locked in for The Everest over the weekend, joined by War Machine (Coolmore) and Jedibeel (Mulberry Racing), while Godolphin is the only slot-holder yet to confirm its representative.

If you’re still planning a flutter on The TAB Everest, line up the best betting sites, popular betting apps and trusted Australian bookmakers before you bet.