Malavio to take next step to Villiers

Monday 11 November 2013, 4:37pm

Steve Englebrecht has no regrets about bypassing the Emirates Stakes with Malavio in favour of an easier assignment at Rosehill.

But the trainer admits the demotion of She's A Girl at Randwick on Saturday hurts and he is looking to also run the half-sister to Malavio at Saturday's Rosehill meeting.

She's A Girl was first past the post in a 1500m race but lost the race when stewards agreed with Fulminate's rider Kathy O'Hara she had been impeded when Lester Grace shifted out in the final 200 metres.

Englebrecht found no fault with Grace's ride and has booked the apprentice to partner Tramway Stakes winner Malavio in the November Handicap (1350m).

"It was a protest I thought could have gone either way but that's racing," Englebrecht said.

"I thought she ran great and she's pulled up really well so she will probably back up on Saturday.

"She's probably looking for longer now but there isn't much around so I've entered her for the 1350 and the 1500 metre race and I'll look at both before I make a decision."

After his Group Three win in the Tramway, Malavio finished midfield in the Bill Ritchie Handicap and less than three-quarters of a length fifth in the Epsom Handicap.

Both races were won by Boban who added the Emirates Stakes at Flemington on Saturday to his imposing record.

Englebrecht abandoned Emirates plans for Malavio and brought him home to Sydney after he got lost around Moonee Valley in the Crystal Mile.

"I took the coward's way rather than taking on Boban and it was the right decision," Englebrecht said.

"I gave Malavio an easy week after Melbourne and have kept him ticking over.

"We'll see how he goes on Saturday but the Villiers is our aim."

The Group Two Villiers (1600m) at Randwick on December 14 is the showcase race of the Sydney summer.

– AAP

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