A former Melbourne Cup placegetter has added plenty of intrigue to nominations for Saturday’s program at Caulfield.

C’est La Guerre, who finished third behind Viewed and Bauer in the 2008 Melbourne Cup, has been entered for the Group 3 $150,000 Victoria Handicap (1400m) which is set to be his first race in nearly two years.

The eight-year-old hasn’t been seen since finishing fourth in the 2011 Sydney Cup.

Formerly a part of prominent owner Lloyd Williams’ team, the Shinko King gelding has new owners and is now trained by team Hawkes.

C’est La Guerre began his career in New Zealand where he attracted the attention of Williams when winning the 2008 New Zealand Derby.

The winner of six of 32 starts also ran in the 2009 Melbourne Cup but failed to emulate his first effort, finishing in eighth place.

Other key results include winning the Group 3 Craven Plate in 2010 and finishing third in the Group 2 Chairman’s Handicap in 2011.

C’est La Guerre is one 15 nominations for the Victoria Handicap and is joined by 2011 Crown Oaks runner-up Dowager Queen and in-form gelding British General.

The Victoria Handicap is one of two black-type races on the Caulfield card along with the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m).

Heading entries for the Easter Cup is David Hayes-trained import Jet Away who attracted plenty of hype for his 1 1/2 length win on Australian debut in the Golden Mile at Bendigo on March 16.