Exciting North Canterbury three-year-old The Dorchester will bypass next week’s Northern Derby at Alexandra Park.

Instead, he will be heading to a vet clinic for minor throat surgery to rectify a breathing issue.

Trainer Mitchell Kerr made the decision on Wednesday afternoon after a disappointing trial at Rangiora, which was acting as the decision-maker for a trip north.

“He wasn’t very good today so he’s not going to the Derby now.

“He’s got a few wee breathing issues going on that need to be rectified.

“So, he’s going to have an operation shortly and that will mean a bit of time out.”

It’s not a major surgery and the recovery time is relatively quick, but it will count the son of Mach Three out of not only next Friday’s Northern Derby, but also the New Zealand Derby at Addington on April 6.

“Hopefully we can get him back in time for the Jewels (June 2), but if that’s not the case then so be it.

“He’s a bloody good horse and I will do the right thing by him.”

“We’ll get it rectified and he’ll come back much better for it.”

Kerr unleashed promising three-year-old, Smokin By, to win on debut at Ashburton on Sunday.

“I’ve had quite a few calls about him since.”

Fellow Northern Derby nominations King Of Swing and Ocean Ridge have been sold and are on a flight to Perth on Friday while All U Need Is Faith has returned from Sydney and will be gelded.

This will leave Chase Auckland has a distinct favourite for the Group 1 $150,000 with Pat’s Delight and Sheriff appearing as the most likely challengers.