Proven sprinter Triple Missile will step into uncharted territory on Saturday, taking on 2000m for the first time in the Group 3 Strickland Stakes at Pinjarra.

Now with Donna Riordan, the seven-year-old has enjoyed a consistent career, with eight wins from 32 starts—most at 1200m and 1400m, including a late charge to win the Bunbury Stakes (1400m) in March.

“He’s never done it before, I know, but just the way he races and how economical he is… I think he should get it,” Riordan told Tabradio.

Although unplaced in the Belmont Sprint, Triple Missile impressed in the Hyperion Stakes (1600m), finishing a close third after storming home from last.

With gate two and Joe Azzopardi aboard, Riordan is optimistic the Strickland has come at the right time.

“We were always going to go this way,” she said.

“It’s time to see what he can do over a longer trip.”