Trainer Darren Weir has informed Racing Victoria stewards that Signoff’s Melbourne Cup campaign could be in jeopardy after the stayer is responding slowly to a cut leg.

Signoff’s Melbourne Cup campaign looks in jeopardy because of a leg injury. Photo by Jenny Barnes.

Weir was forced to abandon a trip to Sydney to run in the Group 2 $200,000 Ascend Sales Trophies Hill Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on September 17 when Signoff cut his leg.

The leading Victorian trainer had then planned to run the seven year old in the Listed $120,000 italktravel Harry White Classic (2400m) at Caulfield last Saturday but Weir was forced to scratch again with the injured leg not healing as expected.

Racing Victoria Stewards tweeted that the Darren Weir stable had informed them that the rest of Signoff’s Spring Carnival is in doubt and that the premiership winning trainer would make a decision in the next couple of days if the gelding is to continue towards the Group 1 $6m Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 1.

“Signoff- Stable informed Stewards that Spring carnival in doubt for Signoff Mr Weir will assess & make a decision in the coming day,” Racing Victroria Stewards tweeted.

Signoff had had two runs back from a spell for an eleventh to Rocket Commander in the Listed $100,000 Penny Edition Stakes (1400m) at Morphettville Parks on August 20 followed by a thirteenth in the Group 2 $250,000 Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on September 3.

Signoff had shown his ability as a quality stayer after finishing fourth to Protectionist in the 2014 Melbourne Cup and is currently listed as a $34 chance for this year’s Cup.