Melbourne Cup hopeful Mutual Regard is likely to return to the scene of his Ebor Handicap victory ahead of his trip to Australia.

Trained by Johnny Murtagh, the five-year-old ran out an impressive winner of Europe's most valuable staying handicap at York last month and next week's Doncaster Cup is his next mission.

Murtagh considered this weekend's September Stakes at Kempton but has decided to wait.

"We just felt this Saturday was going to come a bit soon," Murtagh said.

"I spoke to Andrew (Tinkler, owner) about it last night and we've entered him in the Doncaster Cup. That is the next option, so we'll see how he is in the next few days and have a look at it.

"Australia is still the main target. It's just a case of working out the best way for us to get him there."