Surgery for an entrapped epiglottis has ruled Isthmus out of a Group 1 race at Flemington, but trainer Anthony Freedman remains hopeful about her future international prospects.

The mare was set to debut her autumn campaign in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) on Saturday, but instead underwent surgery on Monday.

She had recently contested a barrier trial at Flemington, finishing fourth behind Traffic Warden in a heat that included Lightning Stakes contenders.

Although her surgery has ruled her out of the Lightning, plans are still in place for her to race in the Group 1 Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in April, with a potential Royal Ascot trip in June.

“The Sangster and Royal Ascot are still a possibility,” Sam Freedman said. “She had surgery on Monday. It’s gone well and she just needs two or three weeks to come right from that and she’ll be back working along as normal.”

Freedman also noted that Isthmus could target the Listed ATA/Bob Hoysted Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on March 29, leading into the Sangster.

Unfortunately, Isthmus is the second mare in owner Jonathan Munz’s stable to face a setback. Right To Party, who placed second in the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, was retired last week after a career-ending injury.

“It seems to happen to the good ones, doesn’t it,” Freedman said.

Meanwhile, Freedman will be hoping for better luck with Henlein, who returns in the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday. Henlein has not raced since finishing second in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick last October.

“He’s forward enough. He’s done enough work, and he’ll love Flemington,” Freedman said.