Trainer Grahame Begg will miss Melbourne Cup week as he recovers from hip surgery, but his stable remains firmly in the action.

Begg has been closely involved from home as his team prepares Splash Back for Saturday’s Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.

The mare heads into the race in strong form, having won the Stocks Stakes (1500m) at Moonee Valley before finishing second to Abounding in the Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

“I thought she ran very well at Caulfield,” Begg said. “We kept her at 1400 metres to maintain a bit of spring in her step, and she hit the line strongly.”

Jordan Childs reunites with Splash Back, who Begg believes will relish a genuinely run race. “This is her Grand Final… it’s a very strong race, but she’ll thrive if there’s a bit of attrition.”