ETURNING from a spell in the perfect manner last weekend, quality trotter Malibuu will attempt to keep the winning momentum going this Saturday night.
First-up for five weeks, Malibuu outclassed her rivals to capture the $50,000 New South Wales Four and Five-Year-Old Trot Final at Club Menangle for trainer Blake Fitzpatrick.
Driven by Fitzpatrick's daughter Zara, Malibuu led throughout to score by 12-and-a-half metres in 1:56 for the 1609-metre sprint.
In a family affair, the five-year-old is owned by Fitzpatrick's wife Lisa.
Understandably thrilled with the performance, Fitzpatrick is heading back to the world class venue with the daughter of Sebastian K which will compete under different conditions this time around.
Malibuu's latest outing was in a mobile start, with her pending assignment a handicap.
With Zara to take the reins once more, Malibuu will begin from one along the 10-metre mark, which she shares with Jungle Eyes and Almighty Fear.
This will be Malibuu's 12th attempt from the tapes with the squaregaiter searching for her first win.
Malibuu's most recent standing start resulted in a fourth at Club Menangle on March 27.
"She hasn't been able to get that win in a standing start, but hopefully that changes this time," Fitzpatrick said. "She does begin well from the tapes, but just hasn't had much luck.
"This is only a small field, so as long as she begins safely, she won't be far off them, no matter where she sits in the run.
"The main thing is she has pulled up great from last week, in fact, her work has improved, so I'm expecting a good run from her."
In a wide open affair, TAB Fixed Odds have Malibuu listed at $6, with her stablemate Courage Stride the $3.90 favourite from his 20-metre back mark.
A model of consistency, Courage Stride has been among the placegetters at four of his last five starts, including a narrow second in the standing start Bulli Trotters' Cup on May 2.
"He just keeps putting in his best week after week," Fitzpatrick said. "He is overdue for a win and gets his chance on Saturday night."
ELSEWHERE on the card accomplished pacer Ripp has a prime opportunity to break his recent bridesmaid status in the Vic Frost Free-For-All Listed Classic.
Runner-up at Menangle during his past two starts, the Bernie Hewitt-trained gelding is a $3.10 TAB Fixed Odds favourite from gate 10.
Returning to winning form last weekend, Huta is considered the biggest threat at $4 from barrier 11.
Successful at his last two outings, Haveyoucheckedin adds value as a $21 shot from barrier five.
A member of the strong Brad Hewitt stable, Haveyoucheckedin scored in 1:51.3 over a mile before out classing his rivals in 1:55 for the 2300-metre trip.
