Melbourne Cup runner-up Heartbreak City is nearing a race return but trainer Tony Martin says he is unlikely to take his place in a hurdle at Huntingdon.

Heartbreak City was a surprise entry for Sunday's race but Martin said he might wait another week or two.

"We entered him as the race and the ground looked suitable. He hasn't done a lot. We'll work him in the morning and see how we get on," Martin said.

"It's more doubtful than likely. We'll make our minds up when he's done a bit tomorrow.

"He's not been back home that long and we could do with another week or two."

The winner of the Ebor Handicap before his Melbourne Cup placing last month, Heartbreak City has won two races over hurdles.

He wears the colours of Here For The Craic Partnership while Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock also have a share in him.

"The original boys still own the majority of him and the Aussie boys who bought in are still involved," said Martin.

"He can go hurdling. He can run on the Flat. We just want to try to keep him sound, healthy and well. If we can keep him like that, he has all the options in the world between the hurdles and the Flat.

"The Melbourne Cup experience was great for everyone. It was such a pity he put up a great performance and just got beat. That's racing, but it was good to be part of it.

"Hopefully, we can keep him in one piece and happy and well. There's no shortage of places to go with him."