A determined win at Bendigo has given Marble Nine the ideal platform to chase Stakes success in Wednesday’s Listed Wangoom Handicap (1200m) during the Warrnambool Carnival.

The Leon and Troy Corstens-Will Larkin-trained gelding has already shown he belongs at this level, placing in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) and finishing narrowly behind the winner in the W H Wylie Handicap (1100m) at Morphettville.

Marble Nine has hit form at the right time, placing third at Flemington and second behind The Instructor at Moonee Valley before claiming a 1300m benchmark win at Bendigo.

“He ran second at Moonee Valley, and that surprised me a bit because I was a bit uncertain how he handled The Valley,” said Troy Corstens.

“But he ran really well and confirmed that with a good win at Bendigo.”

The stable believes the drop back to 1200m is ideal, particularly on rain-affected ground, which is often a feature at Warrnambool.

Harry Coffey takes over from Ben Allen, who is unable to ride at the required 54kg.

“Unfortunately, Ben Allen can’t make the weight, but the horse is very, very well and I’m really pleased with him,” Corstens said.

“The lead-up has been perfect. That tough run over 1300 metres last time and back to 1200 with no weight and a rider like Harry—he’s in a good spot.”