A return trip to Australia has been confirmed for Mount Athos, an unlucky fifth in last year's Melbourne Cup.

Mount Athos finished a close second to Harris Tweed in the Listed March Stakes at Goodwood last weekend, giving weight to the winner.

Trainer Luca Cumani said Mount Athos had come through the race well and had shown he was still competitive.

"Mount Athos remains on course for the Melbourne Cup after his excellent effort at Goodwood on Saturday where he just failed to concede 5lb to Harris Tweed in a very tactical affair," Cumani posted on his website.

"We had thought of putting him away for Melbourne after his run at the big summer meeting there earlier there in the month, but though we could excuse that effort we just wanted to see some concrete confirmation on the racecourse that he is still in top form.

"We're glad to report he is and it is next stop Flemington."

Cumani has been a regular visitor to Melbourne over the past few years and has come close to winning the Melbourne Cup with Bauer in 2008 and Purple Moon a year earlier.