Group Two-winning filly Needle And Thread (Makfi) will undergo minor surgery later this week to remove a bone chip.
The Stephen Autridge and Kris Shailer-trained filly was one of the favoured runners for last Saturday’s Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) but tailed the field home.
“She got a very small chip on her near-front, which is going to be removed on Thursday,” Autridge said.
“She will be having at least eight weeks confinement and then go to a water-walker.”
While her three-year-old term has been cut short, Autridge said there is plenty to look forward to in her four-year-old season.
“She is definitely the type that is going to improve with time,” he said.
“Even though she is pretty good now, she will mature into a lovely mare and should be up to getting some more black-type.
“I am going to say 2000m will be her best distance because there are more chances for her.
“But a mare who can race on the speed over a mile, 1800m and 2000m is going to be quite interesting.”
