2007 Melbourne Cup winner Efficient is recovering better than expected and is likely to have a short campaign in the autumn.

The John Sadler trained and Lloyd Williams owned gelding had his defence of this year's Melbourne Cup derailed when suffering a joint injury during the spring.

It was first thought he would spend nearly a year on the sidelines but Williams was happy to report the injured fetlock joint had progressed well and he may be back in training in February.

Williams said if he progressed well Efficient may have one run in the autumn to keep him in shape for next year's spring carnival.

The race Williams has in mind is the Group 3 Gerard Corporation Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville in May, a race David Hayes often uses for his imported stayers as a hit-out before another spell then a Melbourne Cup campaign.

Stablemate C'est La Guerre, third to Viewed in the Melbourne Cup, will also have a light autumn and be set for next year's Melbourne Cup.

As Williams has said all along, he was very light since coming from New Zealand but would benefit in 12 months time.

He has bulked up in the paddock according to Williams and will be aimed to go a couple of places better in next year's Cup as a bigger and stronger stayer.

Zipping meanwhile, who won his second Sandown Classic last start, is likely to be aimed at the Australian Cup in the autumn

錫到隻馬，一年出唔多過五場 :jjjj: :jjjj: