Former winner Protectionist a 'serious doubt' for Flemington

The 2014 Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist, as short as 16-1 with Ladbrokes to become the sixth horse to land the race for a second time, remains a serious doubt to head to Australia despite featuring among the nominations.

The six-year-old, who won the Flemington two-mile handicap under Ryan Moore, pulled a muscle when winning the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten this month and is likely to remain in Germany for races at the backend of the season instead.

Protectionist has enjoyed his return to Europe with Andreas Wohler this year, also winning the Group 2 Grosser Hansa-Preis at Hamburg last month after an unsuccessful stint in Australia with Kris Lees.