Big Orange is ready to kick off his campaign with a defence of the Goodwood Cup ahead of a possible return to Australia for the Melbourne Cup.

Trainer Michael Bell ruled him out of the Ascot Gold Cup at last week's Royal meeting because of soft ground.

Big Orange finished fifth in the 2015 Melbourne Cup, less than half a length behind fourth-placed Trip To Paris who is also among the entries for the Goodwood Cup on July 28.

"Big Orange has been in great form at home. It is just that the ground has not been suitable for him so far this season as he is a better horse on good ground," Bell said.

"We will see how his summer campaign goes first, but it is possible that he could go to Australia again later this year."

The last horse to win back-to-back Goodwood Cups was Double Trigger in 1997 and 1998.