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
Midnight Dynamite's Path to the Big Dance After Rosehill Win
Connections of Midnight Dynamite are keen to see the horse contest a $3 million prize following his commanding performance in the Winter Challenge at Rosehill.Having added Saturday's stakes race to his triumph in last month's Listed Civic Stakes (1400m), the gelding is now slated for the Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m)...
Bold Soul's future may be over jumps after Flemington success
Connections have found Bold Soul, trained by Patrick Payne, to be a good earner on the flat, but his future might be better suited to hurdles.Bold Soul secured the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday, adding to his seven prior wins from 33 starts and boosting...
Sword Of Legacy's determined win follows Band Of Brothers' Ramornie success
Matthew Dunn's stable has enjoyed a prosperous week, capped by Sword Of Legacy's hard-fought victory at Rosehill. This triumph arrived just three days after Band Of Brothers, carrying the same lime, purple, and gold Hesket Thoroughbreds silks of David Moodie, captured the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton.Sword Of Legacy, sent out...
Ko Phangan claims Byerley Handicap at Flemington
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable continues its impressive run in qualifying races for Classic contenders with Ko Phangan's recent victory at Flemington.Ko Phangan's win in the Byerley Handicap (1800m) secures a coveted ballot exemption for either the Victoria Derby (2500m) or the VRC Oaks (2500m) during the Melbourne...
Joint Venture earns carnival ticket with Rosehill triumph
A late-developing two-year-old, Joint Venture, is now in contention for the initial three-year-old feature races after securing a crucial win at Rosehill.The impeccably bred son of I Am Invincible, a $625,000 yearling acquisition for the Newgate stallions syndicate, displayed significant progress from his debut second at Wyong, asserting his class...
Betwitchery ready to extend winning streak first-up
Betwitchery is set to extend her winning sequence as she makes her return to the racetrack at Flemington.The Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained mare is scheduled to begin her new racing campaign in the VRC Member Brendan Sobozynski Plate, a 1200-metre contest, this Saturday.Betwitchery, who has won five...
Littlefield targets Magnolia Cup after Flemington engagements
Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is scheduled to travel back to the UK in approximately a week to participate in a charity race at the renowned Glorious Goodwood Festival.The Magnolia Cup is a distinguished charity event this year supporting Education Above All. It aims to gather funds to ensure access to education,...
General Salute set for Winter Challenge under favourable wet conditions
The arrival of overnight rain has alleviated Sterling Alexiou's primary concern regarding General Salute's prospects in the final black-type race of the Sydney season, following his recent victory in the Winter Stakes.All four of the gelding's previous wins have been recorded on rain-affected tracks. Earlier in the week, with Rosehill...
Burning Heartz set for Adelaide Stakes test
Trainer Gavin Bedggood envisions a future for Burning Heartz in an Oaks race, but his immediate goal is to secure some valuable Stakes black type for the filly.Burning Heartz, a winner on debut at Sandown on July 1, is now heading to Adelaide to contest the Group 3 South Australian...
King Pedro defies odds in thrilling Grafton Cup victory
King Pedro has cemented his credentials for the spring staying races following an exceptional display to win the Listed Grafton Cup, navigating a slow-paced affair.Trainer Tom Charlton, observing from his Sydney base, admitted to initial apprehension regarding the track's bias against backmarkers. These nerves were amplified when Tahlia Fenlon, on...