A gradual approach is being taken in a bid to get stayer Chocante back to racing in the late spring.

Chocante, winner of the 2017 Gr.2 Brisbane Cup (2200m) at Doomben and third in the Gr.1 Metropolitan (2400m) in Sydney, has been off the scene for 14 months, his last start when unplaced in the Listed Tails Stakes (1600m) in Brisbane.

“He did a tendon and we’ve been giving him every chance to make it back,” trainer Stephen Marsh said.

“He’s had a couple of light preps and is due to go back to the paddock this week.

“He does six weeks in then six out and he’s done most of his work on the treadmill.

“We’re just taking him along very slowly and if he stands up well he could have a nice light campaign from late spring. He’s worth it.”