Gimcrack Stakes winner Bel Merci will miss the spring carnival after a virus and hoof issues sidelined the filly during her spell.

“She went to the paddock and had a virus and feet issues so she is out for an extended break,” trainer John Thompson said.

“She’ll miss the spring.”

In her absence, Thompson is banking on stablemate Open Secret to step up.

The filly resumes in Saturday’s Keenland September Yearling Sale Handicap (1100m) and has already been backed from $15 into $10.

Open Secret was a Randwick debut winner in January and followed up with solid efforts behind quality juveniles, finishing under two lengths off Rivellino in the Inglis Millennium (1100m) and Within The Law in the Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m).

She was spelled after a midfield run in the Magic Night Stakes (1200m).

“She won well first-up (last time in) and I think it just took the edge off her,” Thompson said.

“She has come back better now.”

Saturday marks the final opportunity for two-year-olds to notch a Saturday win before the new season begins on August 1.

The field includes Pierro Plate winner Shaggy, promising Nashville Jack and debut winner Nazwah.