Miss Splendamiro, whose 29.46sec performance at Wentworth Park in late September is among the fastest times posted at headquarters, has joined the Victorian kennels of David Geall to pursue a Melbourne campaign.
Geall, trainer of champion bitch Up Hill Jill, plans to launch Miss Splendamiro's tilt at the Melbourne Cup with a start in a Cup Prelude at Sandown on Thursday night.
"The Cup heats are on November 16 but I'm hoping she gets a start in the Sandown Shootout on November 8,'' Geall said.
"I believe the conditions of the Shootout will be ideal for Miss Splendamiro.
"I took her home after she finished third in a Million Dollar Chase semi-final on October 12.''
Geall's Up Hill Jill had been unplaced in an earlier semi-final but pulled up well after thate defeat.
"I had my veterinary surgeon give Jill a thorough check-up when I got back to Melbourne and had a blood count taken from her which showed everything to be above board,'' Geall added.
"As she has got older Up Hill Jill has 'lost' two or three lengths in her run-home times but she is still going as quick as ever in the early stages of her races.
"So while she is nearing retirement I intend to give her, My Redeemer and Miss Splendamiro a crack at the big spring races in Melbourne.''
xxxxx
VIC Lorusso, widely known for his regular "eye in the sky'' news traffic reports from the Channel 10 helicopter, made a successful return to greyhound ownership with Federal Brae's fast-finishing win at Wentworth Park on Wednesday night.
Federal Brae, a recent bargain buy purChase for just $2500 by trainer Harry Sarkis on Lorusso's behalf, came from fourth on the back straight and third on the home turn to win a 520m fifth grade by a half length.
Sarkis trained Lorusso's initial venture into greyhound racing, preparing his outstanding stayer He's My Future, who won 17 races in 2011 and 2012.
Before Wednesday's race Sarkis said: "If Federal Brae is anywhere near the leaders on the home bend he will just about win, because he is very strong.
"I believe he will run a middle distance but Vic got his purChase money back when Federal Brae won for him at Richmond on October 13 at odds of $7.''
xxxx
White Sox Ethics' sizzling 42.19 win over 720m at WP on Wednesday night is partly attributable to her regaining her confidence according to trainer Peter Mantach.
Mantach, a retired butcher, has now won 10 races with White Sox Ethics and her blistering time on Wednesday came as no surprise to connections.
"She had previously trialled 42.33 and 42.50 over the 720m at WP for me so I've always known she could stay all day,'' Mantach said.
"But early last year she was angling for a rails run in a race at Richmond when the gap closed and she fell over.
"She was injured in the fall and since then she has been a bit wary about taking an inside run, even though she is the best railer you have ever seen.
"When she gave Winlock Huddy a big start and a beating over 630m at Nowra a few days before Wednesday's Wenty race she looked to be back to her best.
"But I was still relieved when she charged up underneath the leader, Fantastic Ghost, leaving the back straight, before she went on to win tonight.''
