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.

Patrick Carbery knows how to win the Drummond Golf-Northerly Stakes (1800m).

Victorian jockey Brad Rawiller will attempt to win the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) for a second time when he partners Resortman in the $1.5 million feature at Ascot on Saturday.

Ascot trainer Neville Parnham can’t wait for the rematch between his classy three-year-old Bustler and the Darren McAuliffe-trained The Velvet Queen on Saturday.