3 minute read

Magic Bloodstock have again turned to Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker to try and win this year’s TABtouch Quokka (1200m), locking in Malkovich for their slot in the $5 million event.

After teaming up with Shades Of Rose in the inaugural edition of the event last year, Magic Bloodstock made the move to lock in Malkovich following his second placing in Saturday's Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill.

The gelding's runner-up effort in the Star Kingdom followed meritorious performances in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) and placings in the Southern Cross Stakes (1200m) and Expressway Stakes (1200m) earlier in the preparation.

Peter Tighe, one of four members involved in the Magic Bloodstock slot, said Malkovich's performance on Saturday was a key factor in signing him up for the slot.

"We were keen on what we saw from him on Saturday and we think the three weeks between runs will give him time to refresh for the Quokka," Tighe told The Races WA.

"We know he's a good front running type and we are happy going forward that we have a horse locked away."

Shades Of Rose finished ninth in last year's Quokka, little more than two lengths away from race winner and stablemate Overpass.

Tighe said Baker's success in the race last year also played a key part in seeking out Malkovich.

"We spoke to several trainers about the slot and whether the race would fit into their programming," he said.

"Bjorn won the race last year with Overpass and hopefully it can be Malkovich this year.

"He wants to bring something over that will be competitive in the race.

"We also want to know that we have picked a horse that will give us a run for our money."

Tighe said he was looking forward to getting back to Perth for the second running of the Quokka.

"It was year one last year and nothing went wrong," he said.

"Year two will be bigger again.

"We have a slot in the Everest, and we saw the potential in getting a slot in Perth.

"We love coming over and we think the race has moved forward."