Trainer Brian Smith is confident Hume (pictured) could be a realistic Melbourne Cup chance

Brisbane trainer Brian Smith will make a second attempt at gaining Melbourne Cup glory with the talented Hume, after the horse failed to make the field two years ago.

While Smith forked out the late nomination fee to ensure Hume was eligible to run in the 2009 Melbourne Cup,  the then six-year-old failed to qualify after finishing second in the Lexus Stakes to eventual Cup winner Shocking.

“We paid $44,000 for a late nom for the Melbourne Cup but he still didn’t make the field when he was beaten by Shocking in the Lexus,” Smith said.

Two years later, Smith is confident that the now eight-year-old Hume could be a realistic Melbourne Cup chance.

“He ran a good race last start and he’s trained on well,” Smith said.

The Zabeel gelding is currently in his first preparation since his gutsy spring carnival campaign in 2009.

“He’s not ready for a 2000-metre race yet but he’ll still be very competitive over a mile,” Smith said.

“He could have another run here before he goes away or he might have to run in Sydney first before he starts in the Newcastle Cup.

“He’ll be nominated for the Melbourne Cup and if he goes there he’ll probably only have time for one lead-up run in Melbourne.”

Hume was forced out of racing for the past year and a half due to a serious tendon injury he sustained when finishing fifth in the 2009 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Smith credits Hume’s recovery to the world-class training facilities made available to him at Eagle Farm Racecourse.

“I’m lucky that I’ve been allowed to use the good training facilities at Eagle Farm with him as well as giving him plenty of time to get over the injury,” he said.

“He’s been in work for nearly a year getting the leg right.

“I had him in work for a solid month and sent him to Yandina Lodge near Caloundra to exercise on a water-walker for another month as part of his rehabilitation.”

Hume has had just 22 starts during his career for six wins and six placings.