In-form gelding Harry’s Yacht will step up to 1600 metres when he lines up in Saturday’s Vobis Gold Reef at Flemington.

Trainer Will Larkin believes the timing is right after a consistent preparation that has included two benchmark wins and two Vobis placings over 1200 metres.

The four-year-old comes into the race following a confidence-boosting win over 1400 metres at Geelong.

Larkin, who trains in partnership with Leon and Troy Corstens, said the mile had always been part of the long-term plan.

“It’s a distance we’ve always thought that he’d get to eventually,” Larkin said.

“He still just does a little bit wrong in the early stage of his races, but I think if he can find a bum to follow, he’ll really be relishing to the line.”

Larkin felt the stable may have kept the gelding too sharp earlier in the campaign.

“I think just stepping up to 1400 (metres) was a big plus for him,” Larkin said

“We probably ran one or two too many at the 1200 when you look back on it now.

“But he’s really good, he’s come on again.”

The presence of topweight Jimmy The Bear has compressed the weights, allowing Harry’s Yacht to carry the minimum 54 kilograms.

“I think with Jimmy The Bear being in the race and getting in with 54 kilos is a bit of a steal,” Larkin said

“It’s good prize money for these Vobis Gold races as well.

“It’s a box that he’s still going to tick ,the mile, but I’m pretty confident that he will.”

Harry’s Yacht is the $3.10 favourite for the $175,000 feature, with Luke Currie booked to ride.