The spring carnival attrition rate is starting to rise with the classy import Torcedor the latest withdrawal from the Melbourne Cup.

Torcedor had only been with his new trainer Paul Preusker at his Horsham stables since the weekend after two weeks quarantine at Werribee.

The former European stayer, now owned by Australian Bloodstock, has been spelled after he was found to be sore after a track gallop.

Australian Bloodstock's Jamie Lovett said they were taking a careful approach with the stayer.

'We want to look after him. 'He's too good a horse and we just want to get him 100 per cent," Lovett said.

''It's something in his action. He's relatively lightly-raced so that's why we are pulling up stumps."

Torcedor was 34th on the Melbourne Cup order of entry.