Cup runner-up makes his return

Purple Moon is set to have his first start since running second in last year's Melbourne Cup.

Luca Cumani's stayer will run in a Listed 2000m race at Goodwood in England on Wednesday night (AEST).

The stayer was never in contention to head back to Melbourne and was not even entered for the race.

"Purple Moon has had a long time off and a mile and a quarter will be a little bit short for him, but it is a good starting point," said Cumani.

"He was never going to go for the Melbourne Cup again this year and the long-term plan is to go for Group races around the world over a mile and a half."

"His main requirement is fast ground so wherever we can find that, he could go.

"There is a possibility he could go to Milan for a Group One there in October and there are plenty of options."

Purple Moon ran an unlucky sixth in the Caulfield Cup last year before being run down by Efficient at Flemington.