Despite his defeat, David Harrison is keeping the faith with Buster Bash, drawing encouragement from champion jockey, Jamie Kah.

Jamie Kah rode Buster Bash in last Saturday’s G2 Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield, but the gelding failed to flatter in his interstate debut.

Buster Bash led and turned for home in front, but faded to 12th behind Soulcombe who flashed home to record an impressive victory.

Harrison conceded he felt flat after the event, but following a positive post-race assessment from Kah his mood changed quickly.

Harrison said his 2023 Perth Cup (2400m) hero will back up and look to go around in a benchmark race at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

With Kah’s support and back to his preferred distance range, David Harrison is optimistic Buster Bash can keep his Melbourne spring hopes alive.

“I thought is was disappointing on face value,” Harrison told The Races WA.

“But Jamie came back and said she was happy with it.

“She said the horse was in a happy place and is going super.

“I had to ask her if she was sure, but she said don’t be disappointed.

“He just needs a drop in company and a bit further.

“The run was obviously too sharp for him.

“In better company over a mile he is not a great horse, but he’s a good stayer.

“He’s not brilliant enough to win over a mile or 1700m.

“He got badly beaten in the Railway (1600m) and then came out to win the Towton Cup (2200m) and Perth Cup (2400m).

“I’m going to push on and hopefully the distance is what he needs.”

Stable mate Gemma’s Son will step out for his Melbourne debut in a 1200m handicap at Moonee Valley.

The six-year-old departed Perth a winner when he defeated Ghost Who Walks over 1000m at Belmont in July.

A three-time Listed winner, Gemma’s Son races well fresh with two wins, a second and a third from five first up attempts.