Autumn comeback more likely for injured Melbourne Cup runner-up Soulcombe

Chris Waller hasn’t entirely ruled out a late spring carnival comeback for last year’s Melbourne Cup runner-up Soulcombe but it would appear unlikely.

Soulcombe will likely miss this year’s Melbourne Cup after running second in the race last year. Picture: Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Chris Waller has identified potential Group 1 autumn goals for last year’s Melbourne Cup runner-up Soulcombe, but has not entirely ruled out the brilliant and enigmatic stayer returning late this spring carnival.

Soulcombe, with a bad habit of missing the start, finished second behind Without A Fight in last November’s Melbourne Cup but has not been seen since at the races after suffering a leg injury.

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It would seem unlikely he will compete in the 2024 Melbourne Cup or be fit for a spring carnival tilt of some kind.

However, Waller has left the door slightly ajar, even though the 2025 autumn carnival would appear to remain the primary focus.

“Soulcombe is coming along well and we are hoping to have him right to race late spring, (but) most importantly in Group 1 races in the autumn,” Waller said.

Chris Waller with Soulcombe in the background. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

It is understood that last year’s third-placed Melbourne Cup finisher Sheraz, also trained by Waller, is on a similar recovery time frame to Soulcombe after also sustaining a leg injury.

The Anthony and Sam Freedman camp is hoping Without A Fight will be fit to attack the 2024 Melbourne Cup after recently being under saddle for the first time since suffering a tendon injury last year.

But there are no guarantees and it is possible the trifecta from the 2023 Melbourne Cup won’t be seen in the great race this year.

Originally published as Autumn comeback more likely for injured Melbourne Cup runner-up Soulcombe