Bad barriers are frustrating Steve Englebrecht's plans with Malavio heading to the Epsom Handicap.

At his first start from an eight-month injury-enforced break, Malavio finished a pleasing fourth in the Show County Quality (1200m) when he jumped from the outside barrier.

To his trainer's dismay, Malavio has come up with the widest gate again in Saturday's Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick, the winner of which is exempt from a ballot on the Group One Epsom (1600m) on October 5.

Englebrecht has no doubts Malavio is the right horse for an Epsom, but after his long break he needs to improve his rating to get a start.

"He came through the Show County in great order and is going terrific," Englebrecht said.

"He's flying but there's no denying he has the job ahead in the Tramway.

"There are too many superstars in it for him to have any disadvantages.

"The Show County was a great effort and and I thought after he drew the outside there our bad luck was over and I couldn't believe it happened again."

The field boasts five Group One winners headed by Shoot Out who shares the 60.5kg top weight with Sincero and Sacred Falls with the race changed this year from a handicap to set weights and penalties.

Englebrecht will discuss tactics with jockey Nathan Berry after he sees how the Randwick track is playing with the Group Three Tramway the sixth race on the program.

"If he goes forward he's a sitting shot but I think he almost has to," Englebrecht said.

"I'll talk it over with Nathan. He's riding in great form so he should be able to work it out.

"I'll cop the bad barriers now as long as he gets into the Epsom and draws seven, eight or nine."

The Lloyd Williams-owned Fawkner ($4.60) was edging Australian Oaks winner Royal Descent ($5) for favouritism with TAB's fixed odds on Friday with Malavio a $26 chance.