Malkovich heading for Hawkesbury after trial romp

Eye-catching trial performer Malkovich will get the chance to lay down his Queensland winter carnival credentials at Saturday's Hawkesbury stand-alone meeting.

The Bjorn Baker-trained entire was the most dominant performer on a busy morning of heats at Randwick barrier trials last week after last featuring on the Group 1 The Galaxy on Golden Slipper day.

Malvovich, a winner of every trial he has ever featured in, was at his usual frontrunning best with jockey Rachel King aboard in a 1050m contest.

He was a clear leader throughout the hit out before King kept at him late to win the heat by a commanding 8¼ lengths from Media Starguest.

“We wanted to give him a proper hitout after he had a little freshen up and have him spot on for that race at Hawkesbury,” Baker said.

“Once he goes to that Hawkesbury Rush, we will have a bit of a think what we want to do next.

“It’s possible and we certainly wouldn't rule out heading to Queensland but we just want to think about it.

“One thing we do want is a drier track, that’s what he needs.”

The Listed Hawkesbury Gold Rush is staged over 1100m on the club’s Guineas and Gold Cup card and Baker is hoping Sydney’s improved weather continues.

Malkovich struggled on the heavy going in The Galaxy at Rosehill after winning the Listed ATA/Bob Hoysted Handicap at Flemington the start before that.

The son of Choisir, who finished fourth in a Group 1 Oakleigh Plate in February, can put his hand up for a shot at a race like the Doomben 10,000 on May 14 should he put his best foot forward.

Another horse on the radar for a trip to Queensland is last Saturday’s Group 3 Frank Packer Plate runner-up Maurice’s Medad.

Baker confirmed the gelding will remain in work after finishing second to Verona on the final day of the Sydney carnival with the Queensland Derby among the options for the three-year-old.