Grant and Alana Williams are hopeful that Western Empire can upset Overpass in the upcoming The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot on April 26.
While the Williams camp made a bid for last year’s Quokka with Triple Missile, they are more confident with Western Empire, a Group 1-winning star. He last raced in December, winning the Gold Rush (1400m).
“I’m really happy with the big fella, he’s going good,” Grant Williams said.
He added that Western Empire is usually at his best first-up, pointing to last year’s near-miss in the Joey and a solid performance in the Colonel Reeves Stakes before the Winterbottom.
“We’re pretty happy with where he is at the minute,” Williams said, acknowledging a smooth preparation.
With earnings of $2.6 million, Western Empire is regarded as the top local hope to challenge Overpass, who has been dominant in Perth, winning two Quokkas and a Group 1 Winterbottom.
“He’s a quality horse,” Williams said of Overpass, adding that his team has worked on getting Western Empire sharper for the 1200m distance.
Western Empire will complete his preparation with a second trial at Belmont next Monday, with champion jockey William Pike set to reunite with the horse for the Quokka.