As the regular rider of champion Takeover Target, Jay Ford knows a gun sprinter when he sees one.

And he has no doubt Our Boy Malachi will measure up to better company after steering the former North Queensland gelding to victory at Rosehill on Saturday.

The horse came to Sydney with high expectations after clocking up 13 wins from 15 starts in Queensland.

Making his debut for Team Hawkes, Our Boy Malachi enhanced his record in the Turner Freeman Lawyers Flying (1100m), running his final 600m in an extraordinary 32.85 seconds.

"He'll measure up to stakes grade," Ford said.

"He'll be better over further, that just goes to show his class."

Our Boy Malachi camped behind the leader, the Bjorn Baker-trained Zaratone until halfway up the straight when Ford asked him for an effort.

The $1.80 favourite responded to score by 1-1/4 lengths over Zaratone ($7), with another 4-1/4 lengths to the winner's stablemate Agent ($8).

Ford had a preview of the six-year-old's talent on Tuesday when he partnered Our Boy Malachi in a barrier trial, an effort which filled him with confidence for Saturday's race.

"I trialled him on Tuesday and I didn't think he'd get beaten," Ford said.

"It wasn't a big field but they were seasoned handicappers so he's well on his way."