Pike happy with his empire ahead of The Quokka
Western Empire took a big step forward in his preparation for the $5 million Kia-Quokka (1200m) with a polished trial victory at Belmont on Monday morning.
With less than two weeks until the high-stakes sprint, the seasoned galloper proved his fitness in a 1000m hit-out, controlling the trial from the outset with William Pike in the saddle.
Pike kept him comfortable in the lead and asked for a response late, which Western Empire delivered with a strong finish. He crossed ahead of Twain’s Angel and Ripcord, the latter storming home from the tail.
It was a crucial piece of work for the Quokka-bound gelding, trained by Grant and Alana Williams, as they prepare for a blockbuster showdown at Ascot.
“He felt really good and we were a bit more positive in the trial,” Pike said to Racing WA.
“We just wanted to make sure he got a good hit out; they ran the trial a bit steady last time.
“We bounced out and made sure he got everything out of it, and I think he did.
“He loafed around a bit in front, and I got a bit more serious when they ran up to him.
“It was just about perfect the way the trial went.
“They came up and pressured him a little bit, so he got more out of it.
“I was very happy with him and it tunes him up nice.
“His attitude was really good which is a key factor for that horse.
“Sometimes he can get upset but seems in a great place at the moment.”
The gelding is one of the leading local hopes to take down Overpass, who currently heads the market at $2.50 after his tough second to Briasa in the T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m).
Western Empire is next in line at $5, with Jokers Grin just behind at $5.50 after his narrow second in the Roma Cup (1100m), where he was demoted after a protest against The Boss Lady.
Western Empire’s most recent racetrack appearance was a win in the The Gold Rush (1400m) back in December. Although Pike missed that run, he famously partnered the gelding in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) in 2021—still the highlight of the horse’s career.
More Racing News
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...
Chains Of Love's stunning Kosciuszko win defies the odds
In a truly remarkable turn of events, Chains Of Love, despite her challenging draw and a run wide for the entirety of the race, managed to surge past Band Of Brothers in a thrilling conclusion.This victory marks a consecutive win in The Kosciuszko for the training partnership of Paul Messara...
Grafterburners triumphs in Sydney Stakes after declining Everest start
Kelly Schweida, the trainer, has disclosed that he declined an offer for an Everest slot for Grafterburners to focus on its $2 million consolation race. This decision has proven to be a masterstroke, as the colt has claimed a thrilling Sydney Stakes victory at Randwick.The Queensland trainer felt his charge...
So You Are books Melbourne Cup ticket after St Leger triumph
The connections of improving stayer So You Are can celebrate a successful outcome, as the horse has overcome a pre-race incident to position itself favourably for a Melbourne Cup start.In Saturday's St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick, the Bjorn Baker-trained $3.30 favourite, ridden by Tommy Berry, demonstrated resilience to fend...
Caulfield Classic and Ethereal Stakes Produce New Classic Hopefuls
The complexion of the Spring Carnival's two major Group 1 Classics was altered on Saturday with the emergence of two significant new players at Caulfield.King Snitz has propelled himself into Victoria Derby calculations following a last-stride triumph in the Caulfield Classic, while Quick Finish has climbed the Oaks betting charts...