Unbeaten colt Brutal has had a setback and will miss the rest of the spring carnival.

Co-trainer Wayne Hawkes told Racing.com on Monday the exciting three-year-old had suffered a hock injury and was heading to the spelling paddock.

Brutal loomed as one of the leading contenders for the Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup carnival next month after winning his three starts in his first preparation.

After a dominant five-length win at Caulfield on debut as a late-season juvenile in July, Brutal won the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in August and the Listed Exford Plate (1400m) at Flemington last month.

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au