Star colt Savaglee is likely to be a notable absentee from all spring feature events.

The Group One-winning son of Savabeel has returned from an extended break and is in light work at owner Dick Karreman’s The Oaks Stud.

“You won’t see him probably until after Christmas, he could have a run here and then go to Australia,” trainer Pam Gerard said.

“Obviously, he’s been off for quite a while for a colt and it’s hard to make a plan until we get him back to the stable and see how he’s working, but the aim is a Group One in Australia.”

The Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) winner went close to a dream result in the autumn when he finished runner-up in the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m), after which he was spelled.

“He’s had a big couple of years, so we decided to leave him out for a bit longer,” Gerard said.

“He’s doing some light work and will head to the water treadmill shortly and then we’ll see him back here at the stable.”

-Paul Vettise