Talented Otaki galloper Dolcetto won’t race again until the spring.

Co-breeder part-owner and trainer Sylvia Kay said the gelding needed a good spell after muscle issues forced the son of Per Incanto out of Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) contention.

“He was scratchy for a few days leading up to it and you have to be 110 per cent going into a race like that.

“It’s mainly in his right hip, there’s no joint issues, just muscle soreness and he’s still developing so I’ve put him out for a few months.

“I know he’s a five-year-old, but he’s like the rest of the family - they’ve all needed plenty of time. I had another one that grew an inch as a seven-year-old.”

Dolcetto has won eight of his 12 starts, including a defeat of the subsequent Group One winner Authentic Paddy in the Gr.3 Boehringer Metrtic Mile (1600m) at Awapuni in September.

He returned after a break to finish fourth in the Listed Levin Stakes (1200m) in December and at his last appearance on Boxing Day he won the Summer Cup (1550m) at Awapuni.

Kay said Dolcetto would return to work later in the year with the Hawke’s Bay carnival in mind.