Having his first start for the Cumani stable, Yulong Captain, ridden by Blaike McDougall, defeated Kings Full and Morton's Fork in the 2200-metre race.

The Ballarat-based trainer said he was confident Yulong Captain, who had been in his stable for a few weeks, would run well in Saturday's feature.

"I was quietly confident before the race he would be competitive," Cumani said.

"My biggest concern was the distance. It's great to have one of the western district cup wins next to our name.

"I thought the 2200 metres was not far enough. Yulong Captain came to my stable in top shape from his previous trainers. He's stoutly bred and is crying out for races over 2400 metres or more.

"He'll have his next start at Flemington in either the Lexus Handicap (2500 metres) on Derby Day or Macca's Run (2800 metres) on Melbourne Cup day.

"I had thought about some of the other country cups but a lot of them are over 1800 to 2000 metres, on tight turning tracks which would not suit him."

Yulong Captain was purchased by the Racing League under the Vic Husslers banner in an online digital sale before entering Cumani's stable.

"I'm thrilled to be involved with the Racing League," he said.

"They offer a wonderful concept for people to get into horse ownership. It's great to get a cup winner and let lots of people share in that enjoyment."

Yulong Captain has won five of his 22 starts.