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There are no worries for co-trainer Ben Pearce over Dig Deep’s ability to answer a stamina test in Saturday’s Breast Cancer Research Centre Of WA- Strickland Stakes at Belmont Park.

A winner of the 2019 Karrakatta Plate (1200m), Dig Deep faces 2000m for the first time in his 20-start career, but can add another string to his bow in the Group 3 feature race.

Pearce is confident Dig Deep, a Deep Field gelding, can extend to a middle distance trip and says his judgement was backed when the four-year-old underwent a genetic test.

"We got DNA testing done at the end of his last prep because we were discussing which way to head with him ," Ben Pearce told The Races WA.

"I was of the opinion that he could get over more ground and it came back saying he was basically a stayer.

"A middle distance to a staying horse was the result of it which was interesting for a Karrakatta Plate winner.

"It sort of confirms in my own mind as I always thought he would get over further ground.

"You wonder if winning the Karrakatta Plate as a two-year-old might have been that he popped up at the right time and was too good for them.

"It opens up doors later on anyway and if he runs the trip and goes well we'll be looking at a Perth Cup (2400m) preparation next."

Pearce, who trains in partnership with his brother, Dan, expects Dig Deep to bounce back in the Strickland Stakes and end his season on a positive note.

He ran a slashing first-up fourth to The Velvet King in the Belmont Sprint (1400m) and then finished seventh behind Valour Road in the Hyperion Stakes (1600m).

Pearce says Dig Deep is on track to snare his third black-type race.

"The first run was really good and we were really happy with the run, he hit the line good." Pearce said.

"The second one was probably a little bit disappointing, but on the day nothing was making up any ground.

"I would forgive that run and know that the horse is going well and I think he can bounce back from that."

Dig Deep has drawn barrier three in the Strickland Stakes. Brad Rawiller picks up his first ride on the gelding.