Steve Englebrecht admits there have been times in recent years when he has considered an easier life than training racehorses but the emergence of Malavio has renewed his enthusiasm.

The five-year-old continues his build-up to the Epsom Handicap in Saturday's Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) at Randwick.

Malavio's win in the Tramway Stakes guaranteed him a berth in the Group One Epsom (1600m) on October 5 in which he has the limit weight of 52kg.

Englebrecht trained Referral to win the 1999 George Ryder Stakes and the spring of that year, the horse ran a close second in the Epsom to Allez Suez.

Malavio is the best horse to enter Englebrecht's Warwick Farm stable since Referral and the one that makes the long hours worthwhile.

"It has crossed my mind a few times over the past few years to give training away," Englebrecht said.

"The game's changed and the old hard-headed horsemen aren't there anymore.

"It's ruthless and there's a price to pay on your personal life.

"But I've got some very good loyal clients who have kept me in the game.

"They are loyal to me and I'm loyal to them."

Englebrecht comes from a famous Hunter Valley racing family and his mother Rita still holds a trainer's licence in her late 70s while his daughter Gabrielle is establishing herself at Warwick Farm.

While Referral remains the best horse Englebrecht has trained, Malavio is staking his claim.

"He's the best I've had since Referral and hopefully he can go one better in the Epsom," Englebrecht said.

"I think he's improved since the Tramway and has tightened up.

"I'm surprised at the odds he is ($10)."

The trainer was also pleasantly surprised when Malavio drew barrier seven in the 13-horse field after starting from gate 14 of 14 at his past two starts.

"I thought there must have only been seven in the race when I saw that," he said.

"The better barrier gives him options. Last time he had to go forward but maybe he can get into a better position just off the leader this time."

Malavio cannot be rehandicapped for the Epsom if he wins the Bill Ritchie and his rider Nathan Berry has committed to 52kg.