Protectionist nearing a race return

Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist is nearing a return to racing for German trainer Andreas Wohler.

The six-year-old stayed in Australia with trainer Kris Lees after winning the 2014 Melbourne Cup.

He was sent back to Wohler after a disappointing campaign last year when he was diagnosed with bone bruising.

"He arrived back here in December of last year. We took things easy for a while, but I am quite happy with him now," Wohler said.

"He is still owned by Australian Bloodstock. He didn't really like the conditions there (Australia), so they brought him back and hopefully there'll be some nice races for him here.

"He could run in a conditions race somewhere in around three weeks' time and we are just taking things step by step.

"He is not back at his best level yet and we will just see how things go."