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It has taken time but lightly-raced Chris Waller-trained Miyake is starting to deliver on what his breeding suggests, that he will be a more than capable stayer under Australian conditions.

Miyake  has relished the step up in journey to convincingly win his past two starts, and on Friday will get to further bolster his record when he races in stakes company for the first time in the $140,000 Listed Bagot Handicap at Flemington. 

The Bagot Handicap is one of two 'black type' contests on the New Year's Day program with the $160,000 Group 3 Standish Handicap also to be run. 

Miyake has been successful at 2400m and 2530m in his past two outings and on his latest performance at Flemington should relish the rise in journey to 2800m on Friday. 

Jo Taylor, Waller's Melbourne representative, said the four-year-old son of Japanese stallion Deep Impact from the Street Cry mare Star Fashion had progressed well since his victory on December 12. 

That was Miyake's 13th race start, and fourth career win, but Taylor said the victory was important in building the stayer's maturity and confidence. 

"He's come on really well since the win at Flemington," Taylor said. 

"He's thrived after a couple of days at the beach and has come back in good order and everything is on track for Friday." 

Taylor is not concerned with Miyake stepping to stakes company for the first time. 

It is not the strongest of races, boasting only nine acceptors, with last start Flemington winner Wentwood the top-rated horse on 90 with topweight of 60kg. 

Being a 77 rater, Miyake has 6kg less than Wentwood. 

"We've always thought quite highly of him and it has just taken him a while to really come into his own," Taylor said. 

"But especially over those staying trips he looks ready to take that next step." 

Miyake and Tralee Rose  who finished second to Miyake on December 12, have opened favourites at $4.40 with Reflect The Stars, third on that occasion, the $5.50 third elect. 

A field of eight will do battle in the Standish Handicap which has Graff, a late nomination for the 1200m contest, the topweight with 59kg. 

Victorious in the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1000m) on October 17, Graff  was last seen when finishing sixth to Bivouac  in the Darley Sprint Classic over Friday's course and distance on November 7. 

There has been early support for Graff who has firmed from $9 to $6.50 since the field was announced on Wednesday morning. 

Defiant Dancer is the $3.10 favourite ahead of Sirius Suspect at $4.60.