Willie Pike happy with his Empire ahead of The Quokka

Western Empire’s push toward the $5 million Kia-Quokka (1200m) received a major boost on Monday morning after an impressive barrier trial win at Belmont.

With less than two weeks to go until Perth’s richest sprint, the seven-year-old showed he’s on track by dominating a strong 1000m heat, guided by champion jockey William Pike.

Pike took Western Empire straight to the lead and controlled the trial from the front. Under a light whip ride late, the gelding responded well and surged to the line with plenty in hand, holding off classy rivals Twain’s Angel and Ripcord, the latter flashing home from the back.

The hit-out marked Western Empire’s final trial before lining up in the Quokka, a campaign filled with high hopes under the training of Grant and Alana Williams.

Pike was full of praise for the performance and how the trial unfolded.

“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.”

Western Empire is seen as one of the leading locals capable of challenging eastern states star Overpass in the Quokka. Overpass, unbeaten in Perth, currently heads the market at $2.50 after finishing a gallant second to Briasa in the T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.

Next in the betting is Western Empire at $5, followed closely by Jokers Grin at $5.50, who recently ran second in the Roma Cup (1100m) after dead-heating with The Boss Lady before being demoted on protest.

Western Empire hasn’t raced since capturing the The Gold Rush (1400m) in December. Although Pike missed that ride due to injury, he has played a key role in the gelding’s biggest achievements.

Their standout performance together came in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) in 2021—Western Empire’s signature win to date.