Trainer Trevor McKee has announced that champion mare Sunline will not come to Australia this week for the John F. Feehan Stakes at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

McKee notified the Moonee Valley Race Club on Monday morning that Sunline is not ready to travel to Melbourne and race this week.

"She got away on us after her first-up win and is probably one race behind," McKee told Sport 927.

"She has had two or three reasonable hitouts but not good enough in my opinion for her to take on a tough race this week."

McKee said he will now have to revise Sunline's spring program but was adamant her next start would still be in Australia in either Sydney or Melbourne.

He said he would be looking for a 1400m event as the ideal next step, with the $350,000 Dubai Racing Club Cup at Caulfield on September 22 one obvious option.

I heard one of the owners on the radio this morning. He said she was likely to have her next start in the George Main. Should make for a good race if Lonhro and Defier turn up as well.