Stable favourite Destiny’s Kiss will be given a short break with trainer Joe Pride to resist the temptation to take him to the Grafton Cup.

The five-year-old came through a rough experience in Saturday’s Winter Cup unscathed after he almost fell when Josh Parr was trying to steer him into a narrow gap.

Destiny’s Kiss finished fifth behind four Chris Waller-trained horses and Pride said he would have a few weeks off and come back for a campaign which could include a tilt at the Group One Metropolitan.

“He is a lovely little horse and I have to say he is one of my favourites,” Pride said.

“Grafton is there but my feeling is he can have three weeks off and get ready for the Newcastle Cup.

“Then maybe he could have a shot at race like the Metropolitan. If he got a wet track he would be really competitive down in the weights.

“I think it’s too much to ask him to go to Grafton.”

The Listed Grafton Cup (2350m) is on July 10.

The Nick Moraitis-owned Destiny’s Kiss added another string to his bow on June 7 when he won the Stayers’ Cup over 3200 metres.

Pride has also sent Ball Of Muscle to the paddock and is planning an autumn campaign for the well-related sprinter.

A brother to Galaxy winner Tiger Tees and Terravista, Ball Of Muscle has won three of his four starts this campaign with his preparation interrupted by a stone bruise.

He signed off for the time being with a strong 1200m victory at Canterbury on Wednesday, carrying 58kg against older horses.

Pride rates him the equal of his siblings if not potentially better.

Ball Of Muscle’s dam Parfore has also produced dual Singapore Horse of the Year Super Easy, a winner up to 1600 metres.