After 16 starts, Mr Delegator steps up to Listed grade for the first time in the Seacorp-Ascot Gold Cup (1800m).

The five-year-old son of Maschino has won his past two races including a last-start demolition of his rivals at Ascot.

He led the field up in a 1600m handicap and bolted clear in the straight to defeat his next rival by nearly four lengths.

Harvey said tackling a feature race with an in form horse at this time of the year was an easy decision.

“I thought his last run was impressive,” Todd Harvey told The Races WA.

“He drops a hell of a lot of weight and that should put him into the race.

“He’s five weeks between runs, but I don’t think it will be a problem.

“He likes to have his races spaced out and has had good grounding over the mile.

“He’ll run out a solid 1800m and I think he is a horse that is on the way up.

“He’s holding form and I’m super happy with him.

“I think he could play a part.”

Tabtouch has installed Mr Delegator the $3.70 favourite for the Ascot Gold Cup.

Midnight Blue for Peters Investments is $4 and Temptacion $6.50.

Mr Delegator carries 54kg for new rider Brad Parnham after lumping 59.5kg to victory last-start.

Parnham takes over from the suspended Shaun McGruddy and jumps from barrier nine.

“He’ll be on pace, but he doesn’t have to lead,” Harvey said.

“He’s quite versatile and we can put him wherever.”

Meanwhile Harvey also has strong claims to take out the opening event with Nowhiteflag.

A brother to star sprinter Fabergino, he’s showing similar traits after he scored a dashing all the way win two weeks ago when first up.

Nowhiteflag has drawn barrier three and will be in the hands of Chris Parnham.

Tabtouch has the exciting four-year-old as even money favourite in the Arlec Australia Handicap (1200m).