The Perth Autumn Racing Carnival has been given a major boost with Playing God set to return to Ascot Raceway instead of continuing his charge on the east-coast.

Placing in Group 1 races in his last two starts, Playing God has burst onto the scene this preparation and quickly become a real favourite with the crowd.

After a last start third in the Australian Cup his trainer Neville Parnham has already made arrangements to fly his star horse back to Perth.

“We had discussed going to Sydney for Saturday week’s Rosehill Guineas and the AJC Derby,” Parnham said.

“But Playing God would have to adapt to Sydney conditions and it’s four weeks before the derby.

“I’ll discuss the situation further with (owner) Colin Loxton, but I’m sure he’ll agree with me that Perth is the better option at this stage.”

The winner of six races and more than $850,000 in prize money, it’s hard to see him being anything other than an odds on favourite wherever he lines up during the carnival.

Although beaten last start, he certainly impressed many people after the luck didn’t go his way.

“I was probably near the front a bit too early,” jockey Craig Newitt said.

“It took two top-liners to run him down. Playing God has an outstanding future.”

The run doesn’t look to have slowed him either, looking good in his recovery work.

“He’s eating well, is injury-free and seems keen to keep racing,” Parnham said.

The overall plan is to take out the $500,000 WATC Derby over 2400m before being rested for the Spring Carnival.

He’s been named in the field for this weekend’s Schweppes – Melvista Stakes where he will be a monster favourite.

Follow the Perth campaign for Playing God at online bookmaker Luxbet.

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Photo courtesy (c) Taron Clarke Photography