The John Sadler-trained Winchester during a track workout at Dowling Forest Racecourse at the start of spring.
ROBERT Smerdon is searching for a new stable star.
Champion filly Mosheen gave Smerdon thrill after thrill, snaring four group 1 races.
This time last year she was on the brink of glory in the VRC Oaks. She is now retired and off to the breeding barn.
Can Electric Fusion fill the void?
Ironically he is raced by Phil Sly, who also owns Mosheen.
All will be revealed in the group 1 $1.5m Victoria Derby, 2500m, at Flemington today.
Electric Fusion has had just the four starts, winning a maiden, 1550m, at Moonee Valley on October 20 and then running an eye-catching second to Hvasstan in the group 3 Norman Robinson, 2000m, at Caulfield on October 20.
Smerdon said earlier this week that it was a big ask to put a three-year-old over such a long trip, but there was only one chance to run in derbies.
Nick Hall takes ride on Electric Fusion, which will jump from barrier seven.
Ben Melham returns from suspension to take the mount on Escado in the Derby for Mornington trainer Matt Laurie.
He is also engaged Prairie Star for Danny O’Brien in the Mackinnon Stakes, 2000m.
Sadler puts finishing polish on Winchester
JOHN Sadler will today put the finishing polish on import Winchester in readiness for the Melbourne Cup.
The four-time United States group 1 winner has his fourth run for the Flemington/Ballarat stable of Malua Racing in the $1m Mackinnon Stakes, 2000m.
Winchester last raced when ninth to Dunaden in the Caulfield Cup on October 20.
Jamie Mott has ridden the eight-year-old twice and will again be in the saddle this afternoon.
Ballarat-stabled Alcopop also backs up from the Caulfield Cup in the Mackinnon. The South Australian galloper has put in two ripping runs.
He was second in the group 1 Caulfield Stakes, finishing within a length of New Zealand star Ocean Park, which has gone on to take out the Cox Plate.
Victor Harbor trainer Jake Stephens then produced the eight-year-old for an eye-catching second to Dunaden in the Caulfield Cup.
Pennon in chase for another Mortlake cup
PENNON is chasing back-to-back cups at Mortlake today.
Unbeaten in two starts in Australia, the NZ six-year-old tackles the $15,000 Mortlake Cup, 2000m.
Pennon was one of a big team brought to Australia by Kevin Myers. He has had extraordinary success, with six wins in 10 starts.
Myers had his second double in this sequence in Ballarat on Thursday.
Pennon was on his first winners, saluting at Murtoa before joining the Ballarat stable of Andrew Payne.
Payne had immediate success with the son of Pentire in the St Arnaud Cup and chases a hat-trick of wins and more silverware at Mortlake.
Myers has Sonny Wellington in the $15,000 Mt Wycheproof Cup, 1800m, today.
Melody Keegan is also tackling the Mt Wycheproof Cup with Bullseye Wade, which is backing up from a run in Ballarat on Thursday.
Bullseye Wade loomed up at the top of the straight before fading at Dowling Forest, but looks better suited in this class and a smaller field.
British General in form for Toll Express
SMART sprinter British General steps out for Dan O’Sullivan at Morphettville today.
O’Sullivan, who was once based in Adelaide, sends the lightly raced five-year-old in the Toll Express Handicap, 1200m. He looks well in on weights with 54kg.
Conservatorium is top weight on 62kg and the in-form Hidden Value has 57.5kg. Luke Currie retains the ride, having ridden British General in all his four wins.
The son of General Nediym was impressive winning first-up at Warrnambool and he is certain to have improved since then.
david.brehaut@thecourier.com.au