Trainer Luke Fernie holds strong faith that Pym’s Royale will be able to cope with a step up in distance at Northam on Sunday.
The Husson six-year-old tackles the Listed Iron Jack Northam Cup (1600m) with jockey Kyra Yuill in the saddle.
In 29 career starts, Pym’s Royale has not recorded a victory beyond 1400 metres and failed at his only attempt at the mile trip.
In last April’s Old Comrade Stakes (1600m), Pym’s Royale settled back and made up little ground in the straight to finish 10th.
Fernie expects a positive performance from Pym’s Royale and hinted a win would open up big race options for him.
“I’m pretty certain he can run out the mile strongly,” Fernie told The Races WA.
“The only time he has raced over the mile he was crook, so it’s hard to gauge.
“But he’s never had a crack at the mile when he has been spot on, which he is now.
“With that in mind he has been nominated for the Railway Stakes (1600m).
“There is only a slight chance of getting there, but we will find out a lot more on Sunday.
“There doesn’t appear to be too many coming over from the east, so it might be a good year to have a crack at the race.”
Fernie would love for Pym’s Royale to claim his first black-type success after posting consecutive placings in Listed races.
A short neck separated Saracino and Pym’s Royale in the Heineken-Belmont Newmarket (1200m) in August.
Last start in the Tabtouch Hannans Handicap (1200m) he tried hard to reel in front runner Money Matters when 2 ½ lengths. second
Fernie said Pym’s Royale had recovered surprisingly well from his effort in Kalgoorlie.
“He pulled up much better than what he did before the Hannans,” Fernie said.
“He really is super and his work on Wednesday was sharp.”
The Northam Cup has attracted a field of 14, headed by top weights Massimo (59kg) and Missile Launch (59kg).
Pym’s Royale, to carry 54.5kg, will commence from barrier three.
Julio Santarelli