UPDATE: Western Empire is set for a thrilling return in the $300,000 Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes at Ascot on October 21, 2023. Co-trainer Grant Williams has confirmed the eight-year-old gelding is in peak condition, raising the stakes for this highly anticipated race.
Fans of Western Australia’s racing scene can expect an electrifying performance from Western Empire, who has proven himself as one of the most adaptable horses in training, transitioning from a 2400m Derby victory to competing in the Winterbottom Stakes and Quokka at 1200m. Williams issued a warning to competitors, stating, “I don’t think I’ve had him better. We’ve got him as good as we’ve ever had him soundness-wise.”
His impressive fitness is underscored by successful trials earlier this month, where he showcased his readiness with strong performances at Lark Hill over 950m. “We trialled him pretty early just in case we needed a bit of extra time to get him ready, and he actually came up really good,” Williams added.
Western Empire will line up against Super Smink, who tied for favoritism at $3. Williams remains confident that match practice won’t be an issue, as the gelding has been training vigorously and is in “really good nick.”
Looking ahead, Williams has strategic plans for Western Empire, aiming to replicate his 2021 Railway Stakes victory. “We’ll go to the Railway. I know we’ve got topweight, but I was very encouraged by the run of Rope Them In last week over 1400m with the higher weight against our main rivals in the Railway,” he remarked.
With the possibility of competing in the Northerly Stakes at 1800m and the Gold Rush at 1400m, Western Empire is poised for a busy and lucrative season. As a $3 million earner and last year’s Gold Rush champion, he is currently listed as a $10 fourth favorite for the Railway behind Cosmic Crusader at $3.60, Watch Me Rock at $5.50, and Super Smink at $9.
With the excitement building for the Lee Steere Stakes, all eyes will be on Western Empire as he gears up to make a formidable statement in the racing world. Fans and bettors alike are eagerly anticipating what could be a historic performance this Saturday.
