Grant Williams has sent a big warning shot to Strickland Stakes (2000m) rivals, claiming Western Empire is in better shape than he was two weeks ago when he won the Hyperion Stakes (1600m) in sensational fashion.
That Western Empire won the Hyperion Stakes was no surprise but to claim victory against quality rivals after being ruled out of the Belmont Sprint (1400m) with a foot abscess, just validated his undoubted class.
As a rising eight-year-old Western Empire is still going strong and competing at the top level after reaching his personal summit in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) four years ago, the culmination of six stakes wins.
Western Empire is enjoying a second renaissance under the guidance of Williams and his partner, Alana, with the son of Iffraaj happily rejoining their stable last year after failing to fire a shot in a Melbourne campaign.
The Williams’ team are a big hope to claim a second Strickland Stakes after they lifted the trophy in 2019 with Galaxy Star, Western Empire favourite and leading their charge in a four-pronged attack.
“The best part of the past two weeks is we haven’t had to deal with any issues,” Williams said on Tabradio.
“As long as that run in the Hyperion Stakes hasn’t knocked him around, which we don’t think it has, then he’ll go good again on Saturday.
“His work yesterday (Wednesday) was better than it was leading into the Hyperion and we’re pretty happy with him at the moment, he’s in pretty good fettle.”
Williams hasn’t discounted Western Empire going back to Melbourne next year, targeting an autumn campaign if all goes well at Ascot later this year.
Western Empire, to exit from gate nine with the scratching of A Lot Of Good Men and with William Pike his partner, is the rock-solid Strickland favourite.
After he opened at $2.10 and got out to as much as $2.30, he’s back into $1.85 with Tabtouch.
Stable mate Hemlock Stone is next at $4.80 with Admiration Express $5.50 and firming and Triple Missile $9.50.
Since winning the Perth Cup in an upset in January, Hemlock Stone has shot to prominence with two cracking races.
He finished as well as anyone when fourth in the Belmont Sprint and had no luck at any stage in the Hyperion Stakes, held up and unable to stretch out and get a clear crack at them in the run home.
Williams says Hemlock Stone is going as well as ever.
“He’s in really good nick,” Williams said.
“I don’t think we’ve had him any better.
“His coat is just like silk.
“I didn’t think after a Perth Cup he could be any better, but I reckon he has.
“He has surprised us to be honest.”
The Williams’ team will also saddle Buckets Ridge and Starry Heights, the former at $11 and the latter a $51 outsider.
Clint Johnston-Porter takes over from Pat Carbery on Hemlock Stone, jumping from barrier three.
Chris Parnham jumps aboard Buckets Ridge while Carbery goes to Starry Heights.
Julio Santarelli