Bauer has begun preparation for this year's Melbourne Cup

2008 Melbourne Cup runner-up Bauer has begun his preparation for this year’s race.

The eight-year-old gelding travelled to Australia last year in the hope of winning the $6 million race, but was forced to withdraw after sustaining an injury to his near fore hoof in the week prior.

Trainer Luca Cumani will again target the Melbourne Cup with the talented grey.

“The old boy is starting to show what he is capable of again but, as it was last year when things didn’t quite work out, Melbourne is the aim for him again and any race he has here can only be a preparation for Australia as he has to go into quarantine in September,” Cumani wrote on his website.

Bauer is expected to begin his campaign in the Totesport Ebor on August 20.

Cumani believes that Bauer will not be at his peak for his first-up run after having such a long spell.

“He holds an entry in the Ebor and might well run in that race, but it could well be his first run of the season and anyone thinking of backing him at the 20-1 currently available will do well to review his run at Salisbury ( where he finished last of five) first time out last season back from a long break,” Cumani said.

Bauer has won close to $A 1 million, as well as nearly £115,000 during his career.