Western Empire (Iffraaj) has signalled he’s ready to fire in the $5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot on April 26, with a sharp trial victory at Belmont on Sunday.
The seven-year-old, who hasn’t raced since claiming the Group 3 Gold Rush (1400m) in December, made all in the 1000-metre heat and surged through the line under William Pike, defeating stakes performers Twain’s Angel and Ripcord.
It was the Grant and Alana Williams-trained gelding’s second and final trial ahead of his Quokka assignment, and Pike was full of praise.
“He felt really good and we were a bit more positive,” Pike told 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. His attitude was really good which is a key factor, sometimes he can get upset but seems in a great place at the moment.”
Western Empire currently heads the local hopes for the Quokka, shading Group 3 Roma Cup (1100m) runner-up Jokers Grin.
But both will need to overcome classy interstate sprinter Overpass, who chases a third consecutive win in the race.
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