As Pampelonne signalled he was ready to tackle the best sprinters this spring, Group One winner Manawanui's campaign ended in the Shorts at Randwick when he bled during the Group Two race.

Manawanui must now spend a mandatory three months on the sidelines after the bleeding attack which came at his delayed first start for the preparation.

While trainer Ron Leemon was visibly upset, Tim Martin was all smiles with the fighting effort of Pampelonne ($5.50) who rallied to beat Satin Shoes ($18) by a short neck.

Martin was concerned with the four-year-old's demeanour before the race and worried he would not get a strong 1200 metres.

"He started sweating up before the race and I thought he might struggle at the end of the race," Martin said.

"It was really good to see him tough it out."

Martin and owner Alan Bell had mapped out a sparse campaign including next month's Peri Cutten at Caulfield and the Group Two Salinger at Flemington.

Immediately after the race, the Group One Patinack Farm entered the frame.

"There are two races up the straight at Flemington and they are a week apart," Bell said.

"We'll wait and see."

Pampelonne is now the winner of five of his eight starts and has also been placed twice with his only unplaced effort sixth in the Doomben 10,000.

"We don't really know what happened that day," Bell said.

"But he's back now."

Clarry Conners will aim Satin Shoes at the Premiere Stakes in two weeks before taking her to Melbourne while options remain open for the Guy Walter-trained Appearance who ran 1-3/4 lengths third.

"There is the Tristarc in Melbourne or the Angst over 1500 metres in Sydney," Walter said.

"The Myer Classic could also be an option down the track."