Lawton Joseph is set to step out to 2000m for the very first time tomorrow.
Having never raced at more than 1600m the six year-old gelding will contest the Benchmark 58 Handicap (2000m) at Wagga.
Trainer Andrew Dale feels the 2000m could open up some doors for the New Zealand-bred son of Bachelor Duke.
After notching three wins in his first 11 outings Lawton Joseph (25 starts) has failed to salute since.
“He’s always shaped as if he would get over ground given the way he relaxes in in his track work and racing,” Dale said.
“He’s struggled to recapture some of his early form and it probably comes down to his racing pattern, he needs the breaks to go his way.
“He’s been consistent without troubling the scorers, but we’re hoping tomorrow he can break through, getting over 2000m he should be able to settle closer.”
Dale said it was a positive to have Jake Duffy pilot Lawton Joseph in his first run at the distance.
Meanwhile, three horses have been nominated for Saturday’s Tumut Cup meet.
It’s a Fireball, Biding Time and Hurricane Jack are all eyeing starts.
