In-form Bates an Aussie stayer

Declan Bates has well and truly adopted Australia as his new home but the in-form jockey admits he'll be calling on his Irish roots when he continues his fruitful association with veteran stayer Survived at The Valley on Saturday.

Bates will be chasing a third victory from four starts aboard the enigmatic Archie Alexander-trained galloper when he takes on Oncidium Ruler, Imperial Aviator and Dandy Gent in the $120,000 feature over 2500m.

Bates was aboard for Alexander when Survived took out the Mount Gambier Cup (2400m) last start - it was the gelding's third-consecutive victory in the South Australian showpiece - and the hoop believes his distinctive riding style is conducive to success on the bold frontrunner.

"He was really good in the Mount Gambier Cup last time, it was his third win in the race and that was probably his most impressive," Bates said.

"He can be a bit tricky because he likes to go at his own speed and the more you fight him, the faster he'll go so I find that it's about getting the balance right of getting him into a nice, flowing rhythm without overdoing it.

"That Irish style might suit him, we don't like to grab them up too much and I ride on a long rein and he seems to appreciate that."

Bates, who scored a third metropolitan win aboard the Terry and Karina O'Sullivan-trained Castle Hackett at Ladbrokes Park on Wednesday, confirmed his long-term future is in Victoria.

The 29-year-old notched his 100th Australian winner earlier in the month and credited his recent success to the loyal support of trainers in Ballarat and Warrnambool.

"I really am thrilled with the way things are going," he said.

"I came over here two years ago with no expectations and I didn't even know if I'd be staying on but things have been going from strength to strength and I notched up my 100th winner last week.

"The visa has been sorted out so I'm permanently here, me and my wife are really happy and settled in so we're here for the long term."

WATCH: Survived's Mt Gambier Cup win