Mornington trainer Cliff Brown can sense a breakthrough win is close for The Inferno heading into the Hareeba Stakes at Mornington

The Inferno went close to a drought-breaking win last start and trainer Cliff Brown says his “great old boy” is thriving ahead of the Hareeba Stakes at Mornington.

The Inferno has benefited from a whiff of success last start, with Mornington trainer Cliff Brown hopeful of a breakthrough win in the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m).

Riding a 30-month drought dating back to the 2021 Group 2 McEwen Stakes at The Valley, The Inferno loomed to win the Group 3 Victoria Handicap until fitness waned late.

Brown said “great old boy” has thrived since the run.

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“The other day was the first time he’s been exposed in a race where he was there to win for a while, and I reckon physically, he got benefit from that,” Brown said.

“Every other run he’s had, he’s got back, finished off, run well or got held up and has never been made to use his fitness.

“I reckon his fitness was found out simply because it was the first time he had a chance and that’s really brought him on, he had a great day at the beach, he’s lovely, bright and well.”

The Inferno strode up to find the front at the 200m in the Victoria Handicap before Here To Shock and Seonee swept past.

The Inferno, $8.50 with TAB to win on Saturday, was runner-up in the Hareeba last year behind Jigsaw, who returns to Mornington as an $8 shot.

The Inferno’s last win was 30 months ago. Picture: George Salpigtidis/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Grand Impact ($5) and Maharba ($6) head the market.

Brown lamented a wide barrier (12) The Inferno must overcome and potential track conditions after 7mm was recorded at Mornington overnight Wednesday.

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“It depends how the track is, a Soft 6 at the moment, it will improve, it’s a great track, as long as we don’t get any more rain, he’s got that obstacle and the barrier is really tricky,” Brown said.

“The horse himself is great, he’s going really well … He’s a great old boy, he hasn’t had a lot of luck, he’s run some really good races, but his rating is very difficult to find the right race.”

The Inferno, who won eight of nine starts for Brown in Singapore, has managed one win and four places on Australian soil, including the 2021 Moir Stakes runner-up.

“It’s been a while (last win) … it would be fantastic for everyone, it would be great,” Brown said.

“Glenn Whittenbury who owns him is a champion bloke, it would just be good for the horse, he’s a lovely horse, got a real character and it would be good for him.

“I just think the gate will make it a bit tricky.”

Originally published as Mornington trainer Cliff Brown can sense a breakthrough win is close for The Inferno heading into the Hareeba Stakes at Mornington