Melbourne autumn campaign ruled out for star trio

Peters and co-trainers Grant and Alana Williams created WA racing history on Saturday by becoming the first to claim Ascot’s three Group 1s.

Western Empire took out the Railway Stakes by a brilliant four lengths, Graceful Girl descended from the clouds to win the Winterbottom Stakes and Regal Power returned to his best to score an upset win in the Kingston Town Classic.

However, Peters said an injury setback and the short turnaround between the Ascot Masters and the Melbourne autumn carnival conspired against his top trio travelling to the eastern states to race in the new year.

Posing the biggest concern for Peters is star four-year-old Western Empire after a difficult run in the Kingston Town Classic.

He was trapped three wide without cover when second as the raging $1.22 favourite to Regal Power and has pulled up sore.

“We definitely won’t be seeing Western Empire, he’s pulled up very sore over his back,” Peters said on Tabradio.

“He didn’t come through that run too well and definitely won’t be going there.

“It’s going to be hard for Regal Power to get there and Graceful Girl doesn’t get much time before those races come up.

“She’s not a robust mare, so I doubt if any of them will get there.”

Peters says his Melbourne autumn representation will most likely rest with Inspirational Girl and Superstorm next year.

Superstorm, with Danny O’Brien at Barwon Heads, won the Group 1 Cantala Stakes at Flemington and Group 2 Feehan Stakes at Moonee Valley in September and October.

“We have both Inspirational Girl and Superstorm over in Melbourne doing well,” Peters said.

“They could play a part in the autumn, I hope.

“I would look at the All Star Mile with Superstorm.

“I don’t think Inspirational Girl qualifies for the race and she won’t be ready for the Australian Cup.

“But there might be other races for her later in the autumn.”