Every time the bar is raised, Our Boy Malachi soars over it and his latest win has prompted talk of Group One racing.
The former Queensland sprinter took his record to 16 wins from 18 starts in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
For the second successive time, Dothraki ($3.40) was left chasing the $1.75 favourite with the margin between the pair a comfortable 2-1/2 lengths in Our Boy Malachi's favour.
The gelding has now won three from three for the Hawkes training team since his transfer from the north where he earned the title of the Rockhampton Rocket.
He may well head back to his home state next year if he continues the way co-trainer Michael Hawkes thinks he will.
"He is a class horse and a star on the rise," Hawkes said.
"We have always thought he would get further and 1400 metres would not be beyond him.
"We will look at the Canterbury Classic or we might just turn him out now and get ready for the late autumn and winter.
"The Stradbroke Handicap might be the race for him."
Hawkes admitted he had been worried about the soft ground given Our Boy Malachi's limited experience on rain-affected tracks.
But he showed no discomfort and when Dothraki mounted his challenge in the straight, he found another gear.
"He finds under pressure, that's one of his biggest attributes," Hawkes said.
"He's not a young horse but he's a superstar."
Dothraki's trainer Gerald Ryan agreed.
"The winner is a class horse," he said.
"Dothraki tried hard as he always does but it wasn't enough."