Bauer will likely retire after the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington on Emirates Stakes Day

Bauer will compete in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakesat Flemington this Sunday in what is expected to be the swansong of his jubilant racing career.

The spritely nine-year-old missed out on a place in the Cup by just one number in the ballot.

Co-owner, OTI Racing director Terry Henderson, was disappointed Bauer wasn’t given the opportunity to revenge his 2008 second placing in the Melbourne Cup behind Viewed.

“I don’t get dirty on these things,” Henderson said.

“It’s the way it panned out, it was a bit unfortunate all round.”

Henderson believes Bauer will have a big chance of winning the $250,000 race.

“The horse is extremely well, we’re happy with him,” Henderson said.

“He’s as bright as he was in 2008.”

Bauer is expected to be retired after Saturday’s race.

“We’re thinking he should be retired after Saturday,” Henderson said.

“It’s not formally decided yet.”

Bauer will stay on in Australia as a clerk of the course horse.

Henderson’s other two Luca Cumani-trained Melbourne Cup runners, Manighar and Drunken Sailor, will also remain in Australia.

“Manighar will go to Peter Moody (and) he may go to the Zipping Classic,” he said.

“Drunken Sailor will stay in Australia… he’ll stay with a Victorian trainer.”