After a well-earned break, Melbourne Cup winner Canya Mayhem is edging closer to a return to the racetrack.

The star chaser has spent the past few months resting following his Western Australian campaign, with trainer Jess Hopkins opting to freshen him up ahead of the Dream Chasers festival later this year.

Although Canya Mayhem finished eighth in the Sandgroper, Hopkins said there were no major injury concerns.

“He did pull up sore from WA, but it was just general soreness. There were no injuries, although his bloods have been the main issue,” Hopkins said.

“He’s been lucky throughout his career and never really had any problems. He’s just such an easy dog to have around.”

His absence has been felt during Queensland’s rich Winter Carnival, particularly after his dominant Group 1 Gold Bullion victory at Q2 Parklands earlier this year.

“It’s disappointing to miss Queensland, especially after how well he went up there and how much he seemed to enjoy it,” Hopkins said.

“It would’ve been nice to get out of the Melbourne weather for a bit!”

With just over three months until the Dream Chasers festival begins with the invitational Group 1 Topgun at The Meadows, Hopkins is confident the two-time Group 1 winner has plenty of time to return to his best.

“He’s running around like a six-month-old puppy at home,” she said.