Dothraki will line up for round two against Our Boy Malachi with trainer Gerald Ryan keen on his chances to turn the tables on the Starlight Stakes winner.
Known as the Rockhampton Rocket for his 13 wins from 15 starts in Queensland, Our Boy Malachi has continued that form in Sydney with two victories from two starts for the Hawkes training team.
In the Listed Starlight Stakes (1100m) Dothraki finished 1-3/4 lengths second, giving the winner 3-1/2 kilograms.
Ryan is hoping the pair are a little closer in the weights when they meet in the Razor Sharp (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday and says Dothraki has thrived since the Starlight.
Although he has always shown talent, until his recent gelding operation Dothraki has been a little inconsistent.
"He is more genuine now," Ryan said.
"He has always had ability and he has shown that with his stakes wins but his form has been patchy.
"Since he's been gelded he is putting in together in his races."
Dothraki also has experience of heavy tracks with a win and a place from two starts while Our Boy Malachi's only experience was on a track just into the soft range.
Stormy weather is predicted in Sydney for another week.
Ryan will be two-handed in the feature sprint with Red Excitement resuming after putting three wins together last campaign.
After the Razor Sharp, Ryan and Dothraki's owners have some decisions to make on the rest of the four-year-old's campaign.
"He could go on to the next leg of the summer sprint series, the Canterbury Stakes or we look at the Magic Millions sprint next month," Ryan said.
"Or we could give him a freshen-up and look at some autumn races.
"I'm not sure if he is ready for Group Ones this preparation but hopefully he will be in the future."
One horse which will be on a Group One path is high-profile colt Rubick who returns to the stable this week.
The winner of three of his five starts including the Group Two Schillaci Stakes at weight-for-age, Rubick has not raced since he finished out of the money in the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington in November.
Rubick is closely related to champion sire Redoute's Choice, a multiple Group One winner during his racing career.