Lynne Kiddle is hoping to take a line through Settlers Creek when Run Liam Run tackles the Fifth Leg Handicap (1500m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Following a run of five runner-up finishes Settlers Creek finally got the monkey off his back with a welcome victory over Rosmartini last week.
After four city placings including a hat trick this campaign, Kiddle’s’ Run Liam Run is also bursting to breakthrough and post a milestone Perth victory.
Kiddle has confidence Run Liam Run can end his Perth drought after the gelding ran an excellent last-start third to Baraki Beats over 1400m.
Against a track bias that did not suit the back markers, Run Liam Run ran home strongly to record the fastest final 600m of the race.
Kiddle believes the five-year-old is looking for more ground and will be suited as he steps up to 1500m for the first time in his career.
Run Liam Run, who takes on a strong 16-horse line-up, will jump from barrier 15. He carries 57kg with the claim of Shelby Bowtell.
“He is still working well and is happy with himself,” Kiddle told Tabradio’s The Sports Daily.
“He will go back which he usually does.
“Barring anything going wrong in the race like getting blocked or whatever he will put in.
“He is such an honest little horse who never shirks his job.
“He goes out and tries every time.”
Gloryland, who is perfectly drawn in barrier seven and Baraki Beats should ensure there is a solid temp in the race.
First Affair, from the powerful Geoff Durrant and Jason Miller stable, looks one of the main dangers to thwart Run Liam Run’s bid for victory if she repeats her performance from last fortnight.
The talented four-year-old mare was ultra-impressive when she launched a blistering run from near last and coasted to an easy half-length victory over Hedlander Boy (1600m) at Ascot.
Point also has claims with Shady Gray, a last-start winner who steps up to the mile.
Sharon Miller unveils Prying Tom for the gelding’s first-up run this campaign. Last seen in October, the son of Black Tom has won three of his four career starts.
Julio Santarelli