Talented Victorian mare Devil Moon is returning home and going for a spell.
The mare, a Group 1 winner in the spring, has turned in two disappointing efforts in Sydney this campaign.
After finishing 11th behind Danleigh in the Group 3 Liverpool City Cup at 1300m at Randwick she turned in a similar disappointing run at Canterbury Park last weekend, racing just off the lead early before struggling into 11th behind Forensics in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes.
Trainer Mark Kavanagh has decided to immediately pull the pin on her autumn campaign and she will return to Mill Park in South Australia for a good break.
“She has run well below her best in two runs in Sydney,” Kavanagh said. “She just hasn't handled the other way of going. I thought she could improve at her second start there but after her run at Canterbury she's going for a spell.
“The vets have checked her over and found nothing so we'll give her a spell and start again in the spring.”
Kavanagh was hopeful the mare could fill the shoes of four time Group 1 winner Divine Madonna who recently retired.
Kavanagh said
Devil Moon 
may be aimed at the Caulfield Cup in the spring.
