Steve Englebrecht's stable star Malavio is ready to make his comeback at Warwick Farm on Saturday but the trainer admits he could have picked an easier meeting for his return.

The five-year-old is entered in the Warwick Stakes (1400m) against an army of Chris Waller-trained Group One winners and is also nominated for the Show County Quality (1200m) which doesn't look much easier.

Malavio has been off the scene since December when he developed arthritic changes in a knee and connections decided to give him a break with a view to preserving his future.

"It wasn't anything serious. It just needed time," Englebrecht said.

"He's probably had an extra month off because there wasn't a race for him.

"I've put him in two races on Saturday and neither one looks easy. I'll size up which way we go although I would lean to the Show County.

"He's ready to race and he will be there on Saturday. He's still quite big so whatever he does, there will be improvement."

Englebrecht has the Epsom Handicap as a Group One target for Malavio, the winner of the Civic Stakes last winter and the Festival Stakes at his most recent start.

There were 22 entries for the Group Three Show County with the Waller-trained Metal Bender carrying a rating of 116 as he prepares for his first race since he won the 2012 George Ryder Stakes more than 16 months ago.

Metal Bender is also among nine horses Waller has nominated for the Group Two weight-for-age Warwick Stakes.

Triple Group One winner Appearance on 114 is the second highest ranked Show County entry as she begins a preparation aimed at defending the Myer Classic at Flemington in November.

Queensland trainer Kelso Wood will bring a team of three - Sizzling, Someday and Belltone - for the Show County with all three on a path to the Epsom (1600m) on October 5 at Randwick.