Following a couple of commendable performances in Group races, Genesis Runner is set to achieve a stakes win, and this weekend offers a prime opportunity.

The Yulong-owned three-year-old colt is an early favourite for the Listed Dulcify Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday. Connections opted to extend his distance in preference to competing in last weekend’s Golden Rose (1400m).

His last start resulted in a closing fourth behind Persian Wonder in the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m). For this race, he will race with blinkers for the first time, and co-trainer Will Freedman is keen to see him build on his consistency with a victory.

“He was good last time, but he needs to get a run on the board soon at that level,” Freedman said. “He can’t consistently be a bridesmaid, so there is a bit of pressure on him for that. But he’s come through the run very well. He should be a very good chance.”

If Genesis Runner performs as expected, he will follow the conventional route towards the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) on October 24, with the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) two weeks from Saturday as a likely intermediate step.

Freedman believes the colt’s recent outings suggest he will perform better over longer distances.

“Over 1400 he’s been left a bit flat-footed. He’s looking like a horse who wants to get over further and further,” he commented.

Genesis Runner, a son of prominent US sire Gun Runner, was a $575,000 acquisition at last year’s Inglis Easter Sale.

He was the $2.80 favourite for the Dulcify Stakes on Wednesday and will have the services of jockey Chad Schofield from barrier four.

Genesis Runner is a popular selection among online bookmakers for the Dulcify Stakes.