In one of the most highly anticipated races of the year, the son of 2003 winner Bombastic Shiraz, took full advantage of box 1 and proved too strong for his rivals to score by two lengths in 29.65 seconds.

The win was Bate's first in the Shootout and was made all the sweeter with kennel-mate and last start Meadows track record holder Turanza Bale, running second.

Defending champion Mantra Lad, who gained a berth in the event following the shock scratching of Queen Lauryn earlier in the week, showed he was close to his brilliant best, a further 1.75 lengths away third.

Cosmic Rumble finished fourth just four lengths from the winner.

The win was Velocette's fifth Group race victory and took his career record to 27 wins from 65 starts and over $375,000 in prizemoney.

"He's done a great job with this dog," said Velocette's ecstatic owner Ron McCullagh of Bate.

"He's the No. 1 one trainer in Victoria, probably Australia, and I'll go the next step, the best trainer in the world. (Velocette) loved being back on his home track tonight and he'll be back here next week for the Melbourne Cup heats."

Velocette finished fourth in the 2008 Solo Melbourne Cup.

Dubbed 'the Bart Cummings of greyhound racing' by Sandown chairman Geoff Dawson, Bate has trained three Solo Melbourne Cup winners and over 20 finalists since Star Lazer contested the 1983 edition.

Nine Solo Melbourne Cup Preludes capped a big night of greyhound racing on the track.

All winners – as well as all Macro Meats Shootout runners – gained a berth in the Solo Melbourne Cup heats on Thursday.