Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker sends speedster Malkovich to Caulfield with long-range sprint plan

Bjorn Baker “doesn’t like” sending horses to Melbourne but the Sydney trainer has a long-range plan for explosive colt Malkovich at Caulfield.

“Hang on” is about the only riding instruction Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker need give a jockey booked aboard speedy colt Malkovich, who makes his Victorian debut on Saturday at Caulfield.

“He’s got too much speed to do anything else,” Baker said.

“He’s got speed on speed on speed so the 1000m should suit.”

Baker, son of one of New Zealand’s most successful trainers Murray Baker, is currently third in the Sydney premiership with 45 winners — behind Chris Waller (148) and James Cummings (53).

Unlike most top flight Harbour City trainers, who campaign or spot-start horses in Melbourne, Baker is an apologetic home shorts man.

“I don’t like going south but he will be down there on Saturday,” Baker laughed.

“I like this horse a lot, I’ve got a lot of time for him, a quality animal and got a lovely temperament for a colt … Damian Lane on, drawn a bit deep but you can roll along comfortably enough.”

Because of Covid restrictions Baker cannot accompany the colt, due to arrive at the stables of Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young early Friday morning.

The main reason for the Choisir colt Malkovich being in Melbourne and not Sydney, apart from a big weight at Randwick on Saturday should he have accepted, is gaining experience towards a long-range plan.

“I think he could be a really good sprinter next year and the year after so we wanted to give him options in Melbourne, maybe one or two of those 1000m races will really suit him,” Baker said.

“From that point of view I think it’s a really good career move for him looking a bit longer term.

“I know it’s not easy going down there left-handed the first time but he’s got a lot of speed, he’s probably the fastest horse I’ve ever had out of the gates.”

Malkovich, who galloped the “Melbourne way” on Tuesday in preparation for Saturday, has amassed $299,530 prizemoney winning five of 11 career starts.

Well-supported favourite Malkovich was backed from $3.50 to $2.70 with TAB after the market opened.

All Of Brighton ($5) and Dickin Medal ($7) sit on the second and third lines from Esta La Roca ($7.50).