Bjorn Baker's presence in Australian racing has grown significantly in the past 12 months and the trainer is looking for 2013 to be even bigger.

That wish can get the perfect kick-start on Tuesday when iron horse Cantonese chases victory in the Group Two Perth Cup (2400m) at Ascot.

"It would be a super start to the new year," Baker said.

"It's going to be a great experience win, lose or draw, and he's been a very special horse for us already.

"Whatever happens he'll come back for a good spell."

Baker has won Group One races in Australia as a co-trainer with his New Zealand-based father Murray but will be shooting for his first Group race win since setting up his own operation at Warwick Farm.

Cantonese has played a major role in Baker's rise to prominence in Sydney and the trainer says everything is on target for the gelding in the west.

"He galloped super on Saturday morning at Ascot and my rider is very happy with him," Baker said.

"It's a tough race. He's drawn barrier 19 which is probably not the worst thing for him but it's been very hot.

"It's a bit of a reprieve for him as it's only going to be 34 or 35 degrees on Perth Cup day, but he's a laid-back horse and I think if one horse can travel over there and handle it, then it's him."

Cantonese has gone from strength to strength for Baker since he bought him for stable clients as a tried horse in September.

The five-year-old has won six of his nine starts for Baker with his most dominant performance a last-start six length success in the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Rosehill.

To be ridden by Jim Cassidy, Cantonese is on the third line of betting at $4.80 behind Chester Road $3.80 and Mr Moet at $4.

"I'm not too familiar with the form over there and we're going to do our own thing, so we're very much just concentrating on our horse," Baker said.

Baker will look back on 2012 fondly with horses such as Havana Rey, who won five races during the year, and Cantonese the flag bearers for his stable.

"It's been a great year. I'm very happy here, I love Warwick Farm and I've got a lot of nice younger horses," he said.

"So hopefully it can only get better from here."