Grey stayer Ask Me Nicely turned back the clock for a courageous victory in the inaugural $100,000 Western Australian Cup (3200m) at Ascot on Saturday.

It was the first 3200m race run in the State since the 2008 Perth Cup.

Ask Me Nicely is a son of Moorookyle Park sire Ustinov and he won a battle of attrition to defeat Daneclicked (Blackfriars) by a head.  “It certainly created a lot of interest going back to the two miles,” trainer Fred Kersley said.  “I’m so happy for the horse .  I admire versatile types and he’s still is sound as ever.”

Kersley had saddled the veteran for runner-up results in the LR Grandstand Cup and LR Pinjarra Cup at his previous two starts.  He was also placed in last year’s G2 Perth Cup.

“He should be going out for a spell now in time for another tilt at the Perth Cup,” Kersley added.  “But he’s an eight year old and it may pay to keep him going while in form.”

Ask Me Nicely (NZ) was a $37,500 buy for senior part-owner Reg Webb as a Karaka yearling and the WA Cup improved his record to 9 wins and $430,000 in prizemoney.  He is one of three Ustinov winners from Flemington stakes winner Took A Chance (Unbridled’s Song).