Malkovich to seek a Monash Stakes redemption

Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker is sending Malkovich to Melbourne looking for redemption in the Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield.

Malkovich was run down late in the 2021 Group 3 race over 1100m by Red Can Man, but a stronger version will head to the start on Saturday.

Baker said he was looking forward to running Malkovich at Caulfield on Saturday as the sprinter holds a solid record at Caulfield.

Malkovich defeated Esta La Roca, an opponent on Saturday, over 1000m two weeks before his second placing to Red Can Man.

The sprinter returned later that spring to finish second to Oxley Road in the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint in October then the following February run fourth to Marabi in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m).

At Malkovich’s only other Melbourne start since the Oakleigh Plate he was successful in the Listed Bob Hoysted Stakes (1000m) at his next outing.

“We’re looking forward to sending him down as he’s run well at Caulfield in the past,” Baker said.

“Josh Parr came and rode him this morning at Warwick Farm in the reverse direction.

“We were very happy with his gallop, and he will be going down to Melbourne to ride him on Saturday.”

Malkovich has had 10 starts since his last trip to Melbourne with his most recent start being when seventh to Petronis at Eagle Farm on June 3.

Baker said Saturday’s race had always been considered as an option for Malkovich.

“It has turned out pretty well,” Baker said.

“He’s had a freshen up, his work has been good, he’s had a trial at Hawkesbury.

“His soft track form is OK, maybe not if it gets too heavy but more importantly, he’s run well on a soft track at Caulfield.

“You also must pick and choose with him nowadays, and I think the 1100 metres is his sweet spot. The 1000 can be a bit sharp for him and the 1200 metres too far.

“But he does like it down there and he can run a good race, I reckon.”