Speedster Iona Fast One's affinity for the Sunshine Coast track has prompted trainer Brad Herne to step the gelding up in distance to test him over 1200 metres.

All five of Iona Fast One's wins have been over shorter but Herne believes he is settling better in his races and can be effective in the Benchmark 80 on Saturday.

The Sequalo gelding has had six starts at the Sunshine Coast for four wins and a second but his three 1200m starts have yet to yield a place.

"I think he is settling well enough now to run out the distance. He has a genuine liking for the Sunshine Coast and his win there last start was terrific." Herne said.

"He made all the pace and was able to fight them off at the finish."

Herne believes the addition of blinkers at his last start helped Iona Fast One switch on.

Iona Fast One has been a great help to Herne's career and the young trainer will expand his stable in the new season with eight two-year-olds.

"We have bought from several of the major sales and hopefully we will be having more Saturday runners and winners," Herne said.

He and his wife Lauren, a former jockey, are the proud parents of a baby boy Harry, who is three months old.

"Things are looking up and I am really hoping for a good new season," Herne said.