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Sydney speedster Malkovich is representing Magic Bloodstock in The Quokka this Saturday.
Malkovich will be joining stablemate and inaugural Quokka champion Overpass in the $5 million feature on April 20, after being snapped up by Magic Bloodstock.
Malkovich's addition into the race signifies a great achievement by Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker, as he now goes back-to-back years as the only trainer to have multiple runners engaged in the tantalising 1200m spectacle.
Magic Bloodstock teamed up with Baker last year, with Shades of Rose. Not quite enjoying the same success as Baker's other slot holders, Shades Of Rose was far from disgraced, beaten 2.2L (9th).
Cut from the same cloth as his Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes winning stablemate Overpass, Malkovich is a versatile front running sprinter that loves setting a strong early tempo.
Malkovich's most recent effort in the Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes was the run that sealed the deal for Magic Bloodstock. Setting a hot early tempo, Malkovich dug deep in the lane only to be headed on the line by Bandi's Boy, but held off class horses such as Shinzo, Roots and Hawaii Five Oh.
Currently rated 115 on the Racing and Sports scale, Malkovich posted that peak performance in February when beaten 0.8L by a fellow Quokka runner in King Of Sparta, in the Group 2 Expressway Stakes over 1200m at Randwick.
With three attempts already over the Quokka journey this time in, the son of Choisir has posted figures of 109, 115 and 113, all earning minor placings – with a combined beaten margin of 3.3L.
Epitomising Malkovich's high level of consistency, the six-year-old has as run to a R&S rating of 110 or better on 11 occasions - picking up two Listed wins and a handful of Group placings in the process.
With Overpass posting 119 to take out the inaugural running of The Quokka, there's no denying that Malkovich will have to go to a new level, but with a positive racing pattern and a stack of competitive ratings under his belt, he is sure to be taking a strong account of himself come April 20.
Malkovich remains a $17* chance with TABtouch after drawing barrier two, with Amelia's Jewel ($3.10)* and then Overpass at $4.60* heading the market.
*Odds correct at 1:30am, April 17.
About the Slot Holder: Magic Bloodstock
Magic Bloodstock, managed by Peter Tighe, is best known for being a part owner of champion mare Winx and several other Group 1 winners.
This is the second year Magic Bloodstock have combined with the Bjorn Baker stable having elected Shades of Rose to be their representative in the inaugural 2023 running.
The mare performed admirably, beaten just 2.2 lengths in ninth behind stablemate Overpass.
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