Western Empire’s Quokka bid received a big tick of approval after he won an important barrier trial at Belmont this morning (Monday).
With the $5 million Kia-Quokka (1200m) less than two weeks away, Western Empire ramped up his preparations in a high calibre heat.
Champion jockey William Pike did the steering on Western Empire, firing to the front and leading throughout in the 1000m heat.
The seven-year-old was under the whip late but responded and seemed to have plenty left in reserve when hitting the line strongly.
He finished ahead of quality mare Twain’s Angel and Ripcord who was coming hard from the back of the field.
It was Western Empire’s second and final hit out before he embarks on a Quokka campaign that holds high expectations.
Pike came away from the trial giving the Grant and Alana Williams-trained talent a glowing assessment.
“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 shades Jokers Grin as the best of the locals to upstage eastern states invader, Overpass in the Quokka.
Holding an unbeaten record in Perth, Overpass holds $2.50 favouritism.
His claims for a third Quokka strengthened after a brave second to Briasa in the T.J.Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
Western Empire is next at $5 and Roma Cup (1100m) runner-up, Jokers Grin $5.50.
Jokers Grin dead heated with The Boss Lady in the Roma Cup but was relegated to second after losing on protest.
Western Empire has not been seen at the races since winning The Gold Rush (1400m) in December.
Pike missed the ride due to injury but has been involved in a string of Western Empire’s biggest successes.
They claimed their best win as a partnership in 2021 when taking out the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m).
Julio Santarelli