TALENTED Excites gelding Flag Officer takes the first step on his Perth Summer of Racing preparation when he resumes in the WATC Crown Metropol (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday.

Already a winner of $230,950 the first crop son of Vinery’s Group 1 winning 2YO Excites was tuned up for his return with a polished 1.3-lens win in a 1000m barrier trial at Belmont Park earlier this month.

A sound and tough performer, Flag Officer has raced on 15 occasions so far for 4 wins, 4 seconds and 2 thirds.

His career highlight up until now was his win in the Listed WATC T.J. Smith Trophy as well as placings in two other Listed races, the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy and was fourth in the Group 2 WATC Derby (2400m).

Flag Officer has raced twice first-up including his all-the-way 2.8-lens win at Northam over 1100m on debut.

Meanwhile, Queanbeyan three-year-old Red Excitement is in line for a $50,000 top-up if he wins at Canberra on Sunday as part of the $5 million Inglis Race Series.