Melbourne colt Nordic Empire is in grave doubt for Saturday's Magic Millions Classic after pulling up sore.

His trainer Mick Price rang stewards on Wednesday morning to inform them Nordic Empire was acutely sore in the near back leg after trackwork.

Steward Ian Brown said Price said the horse would have an ultrasound and a decision on whether he will race will be made in the next day.

"At this stage he is in grave doubt for the race. But stewards will be monitoring the situation," Brown said.

Nordic Empire was the third favourite for the race behind Unencumbered and Invisible.

If he is scratched the heavily backed Sagatona will get a run.