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.
The Sydney gelding gave trainer Annabel Neasham some consolation after her star nine-year-old Zaaki was beaten by the barest of margins in a dramatic finish to last Saturday week’s Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m).
Numerian, ridden by Clint Johnston Porter, outclassed his six rivals in the Ted Van Heemst Stakes, storming home powerfully to reel in Marrocchino and win by one length with a further two lengths to Casino Seventeen.
The eight-year-old, sent out at $3.70, settled third in running, trailing frontrunner Marocchino and favourite Zoumon, who went forward and breezed, before Numerian closed fast and reached the lead passing 50m.
Casino Seventeen ran on for a solid Perth Cup trial and will appreciate a weight advantage when he clashes with Numerian in the Perth Cup on January 1.
Zoumon mis-trode at the top of the straight and weakened to fourth with just The Velvet Queen and Startrade behind him.
Porter, who has the option of riding either Numerian or Be Optimistic in the Perth Cup, said he was happy with the tempo that was set by Marocchino and Zoumon.
“They were rolling along and I was quite happy,” Johnston-Porter said.
“I was just worried someone would be clever and try and pocket me.
“It always felt like I was going to run those two down.
“I was pretty confident I was going to win.
“He’s going to be a good ride to have and hopefully I can make up my mind on what I want to do.”
Numerian was back in the winner’s stalls for the first time since taking out his first Group 2 race last year in Brisbane, the Sky Racing Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm last year.
In 2023 Numerian ran two Group 1 seconds in the Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington and the Doomben Cup (2000m).
Numerian came to Perth without firing a shot interstate. He finished out of the placings in three starts including a last-start seventh in the Beauford at Newcastle (2300m) on November 18.
Numerian carries the 59kg topweight in the Perth Cup. Casino Seventeen, a member of Team Williams, drops 6kg to 53kg.
Tabtouch has Casino Seventeen currently rated the $3 favourite for the Perth Cup.
Numerian is next at $4.50.