Rock ‘N’ The Jam marked himself as an early Perth Cup contender with victory in the $100,000 Rogan Josh Stakes (2100m), stamping his staying credentials at his first test over such a journey.

The Awesome Rock four-year-old had no qualms with 1800m seven days earlier when decimating his Ascot rivals and was installed the hot $1.55 favourite to supplement that success this weekend.

Steven Parnham shot the Russell Stewart-trained galloper straight to the front and ramped up the pace from the 800m, taking the opposition out of their comfort zones.

Rock ‘N’ The Jam found a further gear on the final bend, booting to a three-and-a-half-length victory that had his rider dreaming of cup glory on New Year’s Day.

“He’s tracking in the right way so far and hopefully come eight months’ time, we’re there and in with a fighting shot,” Parnham said.

“He’s got real potential. He’s still learning how to race and he’s becoming a professional but there are a few parts of his manners that he’s still learning.

“In his early days, he was a bit scrambly out of the gates but he’s becoming a racehorse.”

Despite leading throughout last week, Parnham said it was not his intention to lead.

“It didn’t look like anyone wanted to be there early, and I just let him stride into a rhythm,” he said.

“He was nice and settled in the run and I was really happy.

“The horse just cruised through his own gears today and I didn’t let him go as much as I did the other day just being his first test at the distance, and he was certainly able to put a margin on them. It was pretty impressive.”

For Stewart, he was allowed a sigh of relief after an emotional triumph.

“I wish they were all that easy,” Stewart said.

“Every time this horse goes round, I’m so apprehensive, especially today because I know it’s his last (run for the preparation).

“The maintenance that goes into this horse, you wouldn’t understand. I might get a little bit emotional here, but he’s a really nice horse.

“I’m a little bit speechless. It’s a great race to win, the Rogan Josh.

“This horse, he ain’t no Rogan Josh but the way he’s racing, he’s going to go to greater heights.”

Stewart said the untapped gelding was the most exciting horse in his boutique, but talented, stable.

“He’s the best horse on my hands at the moment. Our Paladin Al is a very, very good horse as well, but this horse has got a little bit more x-factor than him,” Stewart said.

“He shows that he can sit back and unleash and go, lead and unleash and go. I thought, ‘geez, Steven, we’ve gone a bit early again’, but Steven had even gone yet.”