Talented sprinter Burdekin Blues could have two stablemates as surprise companions on a trip to Melbourne for the Group One Newmarket Handicap at Flemington in March.Trainer Barry Baldwin is considering sending Simplest and Nericon King south with Burdekin Blues for the autumn carnival but won't confirm a trip until after all three have their next starts.Burdekin Blues has equal topweight of 58 kilograms in a 1200-metre Class Six at Eagle Farm on Saturday but Baldwin has decided against starting

Talented sprinter Burdekin Blues could have two stablemates as surprise companions on a trip to Melbourne for the Group One Newmarket Handicap at Flemington in March.

Trainer Barry Baldwin is considering sending Simplest and Nericon King south with Burdekin Blues for the autumn carnival but won't confirm a trip until after all three have their next starts.

Burdekin Blues has equal topweight of 58 kilograms in a 1200-metre Class Six at Eagle Farm on Saturday but Baldwin has decided against starting the four-year-old.

"He had a jumpout and won quite well yesterday but I feel 1200 metres might be a bit tough on him first-up," Baldwin said.

"There's a 1000-metre race on the following week at Eagle Farm which is more suitable.

"He'll need to win first-up to warrant sending to Melbourne."

Burdekin Blues has won five of his nine starts but hasn't raced since winning over 1200 metres in a Class Six Plate at Eagle Farm on August 9.

"He's been in work for three months and is ready to go," Baldwin said.

Simplest is under consideration for a Melbourne trip despite disappointing when only fourth to Sydney sprinter Keen Commander in the Magic Millions Sprint (1000m) at the Gold Coast last Saturday.

"He was a bit disappointing in the Magic Millions race but he might get his chance in Melbourne if he can put it together again next start," Baldwin said.

"We won't know until he runs next over 1200 metres at either Eagle Farm or Doomben at the end of the month.

"I'm also thinking about taking Nericon King away as well after he won so well first-up at Eagle Farm last time.

"Simplest and Nericon King have both been nominated for the Newmarket but I'll see how they go at their next runs before deciding whether to send them away."

Nericon King, a son of Mr. Henrysee, has won four of his six starts in restricted grade including an easy last-start victory in a 1000-metre Class Six at Eagle Farm on Boxing Day.

The four-year-old suffered a bleeding attack and incurred a mandatory three-month spell after he finished last to El Cambio in the Group Three Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) on May 3.

Baldwin has a big opinion of Burdekin Blues and rates the Sequalo gelding as the superior sprinter of the trio at this stage of their careers.

"I know Shane Scriven thinks Simplest is the fastest but I rate Burdekin Blues the better of the pair," Baldwin said.

Baldwin hasn't ruled out Burdekin Blues starting in the Group One Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 21.

"There's a chance he might get a go in the Oakleigh Plate as well but the Lightning Stakes is too soon," he said.

The Group One Lightning Stakes (1000m) will be run at Flemington on January 31.