Malkovich returns to Caulfield for some black-type

Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker is returning to Melbourne with promising three-year-old Malkovich in the search of a late season stakes victory.

A winner at Caulfield on June 26, Malkovich returns to that track on Saturday chasing success in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m).

Baker said it was after the colt was successful at his recent outing that he considered a shot at Saturday’s weight-for-age contest.

The trainer’s original think was only to give him a look at the track for some future options in the spring and autumn.

But being a colt, with a nice pedigree, by Choisir, Baker made the decision to have a shot at some ‘black type’ now rather than wait until later in the year.

“Originally I was thinking more about the spring and possibly the autumn, but then he went well enough last time to throw him in the deep end and I think we’ve got to give him a shot at the race on Saturday,” Baker said.

“Races like the Schillaci Stakes and the Oakleigh Plate are in the back of the mind.

“He’s still a colt and still has to do it, but I like him a lot. He’s got a lovely temperament and he’s a good-looking horse with a pretty good pedigree too.

“Who knows where he may end up, but you have to give them the opportunity.”

Following his Caulfield victory, Malkovich returned to Baker’s Warwick Farm stable and was due to leave on Thursday evening for overnight travel to the Cranbourne stable of Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young.

With the Damian Lane on the suspended list, Baker has opted for Jamie Kah on Saturday.

“We chased and thankfully she’s on as she’s riding super,” Baker said.

“I think she’s only had the one ride for me, which was on Champagne Cuddles a few years ago down the straight, so it’s good to have her on.”