Hoping for happy homecoming

PROMINENT horseman Michael Stanley is hoping for a happy homecoming this weekend.

Defecting to New South Wales earlier this year, Stanley is back in Victoria ahead of Saturday night's feature meeting in Melton.

Should all go to plan, Stanley will then chase Group One glory the following week.

With numerous members of his stable also eligible for various futurities, Stanley plans to remain in his state-of-origin during the next couple of months.

"I've been staying at our place in Menangle for a while now, but my wife and kids are still in Victoria," Stanley said. "They came up during the school holidays, but were back to begin the term on Monday.

"They'll finish out the school year before everyone joins me up north.

"With the big races coming into full swing in Victoria for the rest of the year I will pretty much be there as well.

"Hopefully we can have a bit of success to close out our lives there before we all relocate."

Stanley has four runners engaged in Melton, including Queensland Oaks winner Soho Americano, which will contest a heat of Victoria's Blue Riband.

Sent for a break following her Oaks win on July 19, Soho Americano was an eye-catching fourth when first-up against open age rivals at Club Menangle last weekend.

"She has come back nicely and will be ready to run another good race," Stanley said. "I've also got a couple in the Derby heats and Rock N Roll Doo in the Sprint.

"With a bit of luck they will all do enough to get into the Group Ones the next Saturday night."