Trainer Peter Gelagotis is confident that Malaguerra will prove extremely tough to beat when he returns from a freshen-up in the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday-week.

Malaguerra will return to the races in The Goodwood at Morphettville on May 20th. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Malaguerra has been a standout performer for the Gelagotis operation since he was transferred from the care of Lee & Anthony Freedman prior to the 2016 Spring Carnival; undoubtedly highlighted by his impressive win in the Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m) in early November.

The Magnus gelding returned from a two-month layoff to win the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) in January this year; a similar let-up to the one in which he will return from when he takes his place in The Goodwood field.

Gelagotis is also set to saddle Illustrious Lad in the 2017 The Goodwood field and revealed that both horses will have hit-outs before the race in South Australia on May 20^th.

“He (Malaguerra) did have a quiet week with a bit of paddock time and since then he’s had some beach time, he’s been on the treadmill and done a bit of everything that we normally do to keep him happy,” stable representative Manny Gelagotis told Racing Victoria.

“He had a gallop last Tuesday and went really well so tomorrow will be another step before his gallop next week and then he’ll be ready to travel.

“They’re not there to break any records but they’ll have a nice, stimulating hit out without going crazy and it will prepare them for the following week where they’ll have a nice conditioning gallop again.”

Malaguerra began his racing career under the guidance of Wez Hunter in 2014, but was transferred to the Freedmans’ stables after only four starts.

Having progressed to a mid-pack finish in the Group 1 Ladbrokes CF Orr Stakes (1400m) after winning the Australia Stakes this year, Malaguerra was last seen running seventh in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Day 1 of The Championships.

Malaguerra is currently considered an outright second-favourite in 2017 The Goodwood betting markets with leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au.