Despite a wide draw and carrying top weight, jockey Jarrad Noske remains confident Wind And The Lion has what it takes to deliver in Saturday’s Listed Raconteur Stakes (1400m) at Bunbury.

Noske will again partner the three-year-old after guiding him to a fourth-place effort behind Pond Master in a 1200m race at Pinjarra two weeks ago. With the step up in distance, Noske is tipping an improved performance.

“I think he’ll appreciate the 1400m,” Jarrad Noske said on Tabradio.

“He just didn’t travel last start over the 1200m and found it hard to go with them when they quickened.

“He was still hanging in there late, so I think he’ll relish the 1400m. It felt like he would improve with the run.

“He wasn’t coming to the end of it on the line, but I’m looking forward to Saturday, anyway.”

Wind And The Lion set the bar high with an impressive carnival last prep, winning the Listed Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) and finishing third in the Lee Steere Classic (1400m).

He announced himself with a dominant debut win at Belmont and now lines up in the Raconteur with 59kg from the second-widest gate in a field of 12.

Originally priced at $10, his odds eased before firming again to $9.50.

Favouritism lies with Storyville, trained by Grant and Alana Williams and ridden by William Pike, from gate two at $2.35. The filly boasts wins in the Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) and WA Guineas (1600m), and was strong first-up against older rivals.

Other market fancies include Elite Missile at $5.50, Pond Master at $8, and Opportunistic at $9.50.

Noske also partners Bayezid in the Donnybrook Glass Handicap (1000m), trained by his wife Tiarnna. The five-year-old is known for fresh form and has drawn well.

“I thought he trialled well behind Estimator,” Noske said.

“I didn’t ask much of him.

“He’s got a pretty good record first up.

“He’s a bit of a fresh horse and has drawn well.

“If he can race up on speed, I think he’ll be there for a long way.”

Bayezid is currently a $16 chance with Tabtouch.