Although sidelined during Melbourne Cup week due to hip replacement surgery, trainer Grahame Begg remains hands-on when it comes to overseeing preparations for his runners, including star mare Splash Back heading towards the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.

Begg continues to liaise closely with his stable team from home, with Splash Back arriving at her target race in exceptional condition following a campaign of consistent and high-quality performances.

The mare produced her most significant win to date in the Stocks Stakes (1500m) at Moonee Valley, where she surged late to score. She followed that up with a strong second in the Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, making ground late under Nash Rawiller.

Begg noted that keeping her at 1400m last start was intentional, a way to keep her fresh ahead of her grand final.

“I thought she ran very well at Caulfield,” Begg said.

“I didn’t want to run her over the mile beforehand, as I thought it might make her a bit dour, so that’s why I kept her at 1400 (metres) just to keep a bit of spring in her step.

“We thought she ran very, very well, but we thought at that stage of the day it wasn’t the best part of the track to be in.

“He also got dictated to where he was in the run, so overall it was a good performance.”

Jordan Childs reunites with Splash Back after guiding her to Group success earlier this spring.

Begg said the mare has developed steadily since arriving in his stable, improving with every preparation.

“This is the Grand Final,” Begg said.

“Chris Waller has three good mares in there and Pride Of Jenni, I didn’t expect to see her, but she’ll put a bit of spice into the race, which may open it up and make it a race with a bit of attrition, which Splash Back relishes.”

For those looking to bet on the Empire Rose Stakes, compare promotions and odds through Australia’s top betting sites before placing your wagers.