Few would doubt that the Darren Weir trained Signoff could give Australia's greatest race, the Melbourne Cup, a real shake – if only he could remain sound, healthy and fit to race.

The Gerry Ryan-owned gelding finished fourth to Protectionist in the Cup two years ago and, given that it was his first real preparation at the highest level, it was reasonable to expect improvement as he matured and became more battle hardened. The Cup would surely be a realistic aim in the future.

The future, sadly, came and went without Signoff in 2015 when injury ruled him out of action.

And it is looking more likely than ever that injury will again render him hors de combat for the 2016 renewal as well.

The son of English Derby winner Authorized had two early season runs, at Morphettville and then in the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes at Moonee Valley, to warm him up for a tilt at the Cup in November.

But then he had to be scratched from a start in the Hill Stakes in Sydney, when he injured a leg.

And on Saturday Weir admitted the likelihood of him getting to the first Tuesday in November was now bleak after he sustained a different leg injury.

"Things aren't looking good," Weir said. "We'll make a decision this week whether we stop.

"I'll have to talk to Gerry [Ryan] and Sandy [McGreggor] – the horse's owners – and see what they want to do. It's not looking good but we'll see what happens.

"He galloped Tuesday and was fine and then on Thursday he's got a bit of heat back in his leg."

To say that Signoff has been unlucky is an understatement. Not only has he been plagued by injuries, when he did come back in the listed Lord Stakes at Caulfield last Boxing Day and spring a $31 shock by winning, he ended up losing the race because traces of ibuprofen were found in his system.

Weir is more optimistic about the prospects of another of his star gallopers, the Japanese import Tosen Stardom, who also missed a run in Sydney – where he would have clashed with superstar Winx – through injury.

The galloper is set to compete during the Caulfield Cup carnival in the group 1 Toorak Handicap. If he comes through that well then plans are fluid as to his next start.

"He will start work on Monday. He has just been able to walk through the week, his stitches have held pretty well."

Weir will also be represented in the Toorak by the improving Royal Rapture, who was winning for the sixth time in seven starts when he scored in a 1700 metre handicap at Caulfield on Saturday. He shouldered a hefty 61 kilograms (reduced to 58 by rider Ben Allen's claim) and he will drop well down the weights for his first tilt at group 1 company.

"We will throw him in the deep end now and have a go at the Toorak I think. He deserves his chance. Winning five in a row in town is a pretty good effort. He's been up for a long time, he's very sound, he's got a will to win. Put him in a better race I am sure he will run well."