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By Ray Hickson

The first horse Bjorn Baker thought of when the $300,000 Traffic Logistics The Warra (1000m) was added to Saturday’s TAB Gong meeting at Kembla Grange was Malkovich and his form this time in suggests he’s the right horse for the job.

Trainer Bjorn Baker (Pic: Bradley Photos).

Malkovich was thought of early as a speed machine with little else in the locker but as he’s climbed the ladder in the past 12 months he’s developed into a quality short courser.

That’s evident with three stakes placings on end and Baker is hoping to snap that hat-trick of second placings.

“I thought it would be a good race for him so obviously he’s there, he has a good gate and he’s well and in good form,’’ Baker said.

“He’s continuing to improve even though he hasn’t won his last couple. I’m hopeful the best is yet to come.”

The four-year-old, who hasn't raced in Sydney since June, was a dominant $1.80 favourite with TAB on Thursday on the back of Group 2 and Listed placings in Melbourne from his two starts this campaign and Baker said whatever track condition presents won't be an issue.

He looked all over a winner at Flemington last start only to be cut down late by Halvorsen down the straight and Baker said he’s leaving it to James McDonald to chart a winning path.

“I thought he was home, he still ran a great race and was just beaten by a better horse on the day,’’ Baker said.

“I think he will run a good race. We’ll leave it up to James as much as anything, he’s riding particularly well at the moment.

“He’s getting better, he’s been able to sit off in two of his last four so I think he’s developed a bit more versatility. He’s not an out and out leader so we’ve got options.”

Soldier Of Love returns to the mile in the $1 million TAB Gong after a solid fourth behind Think It Over in the Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m).

Baker can see a few pluses for the six-year-old, $26 with TAB, especially if he strikes a wet track.

“I think coming back from 2000m to a mile suits and if there’s any rain around it won’t worry with him,’’ he said.

“He always puts his best foot forward, he gets in with a good weight and we’re happy with how he’s going.”

Rachel King has partnered Soldier Of Love twice this preparation for two wins and returns to the saddle on Saturday.

Malkovich wins at Randwick in June

First-up winner Dynamic Impact has the chance to show some consistency as he attempts to go back-to-back in the Polytrack Handicap (1400m).

The gelding has raced 12 times and has won four of them but hasn’t featured in the frame in the other eight so he still has a bit to work out but Baker said he continues to improve.

He enjoyed the luxury of an 8.5kg weight pull on Zoushack when winning at Rosehill three weeks ago and rises 4.5kg but has James McDonald to offset it.

“He’s going really well, his work at home is excellent,’’ he said.

“He was unlucky at the end of his last preparation so it was good to see him do that first-up. At times he hasn’t had a lot of luck. I think he will run a good race.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's The Gong meeting at Kembla Grange