Interstate raider Numerian staked his claim for Perth Cup (2400m) bragging rights with a convincing win in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) at Ascot this afternoon, launching his Perth debut in the best way possible.

There is no knock on Numerian since he arrived in Perth, but Rob Archibald says the eight-year-old will need to be at his top to win the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) at Ascot on Saturday.

A new Railway Stakes champion will be crowned at Ascot on Saturday and jockey, Michael Poy hopes he can reach the same heights as his father.

Startrade is making a step up in distance for Saturday’s G3 Strickland Stakes (2000m) at Belmont and trainer Dan Morton thinks he will handle the extra trip.

Michael Grantham hasn’t lost faith in Kaptain Kaos and believes he is capable of returning to the winner’s list in Saturday’s Group 3 Strickland Stakes (2000m) at Belmont.