Dreams of empire

Punters are set for a mouthwatering Saturday at Ascot, with several features set to captivate the industry’s attention. The G1 Heineken 3 — Railway Stakes (1600m) has the makings of an absolute beauty, with genuine chances everywhere you look. Leading the charge is four-year-old Western Empire from the Grant and Alana Williams stable, who has not been defeated since the $100,000 Morley Growers Market — Challenge Stakes (1500m) on February 13. Following two trial victories, the gelding returned from a spell on October 30 with William Pike and easily won first-up by 2.1 lengths over Notorious One in the Asian Beau Stakes (1400m). Given he will jump from barrier three, Pike has all the tools he needs to deliver yet another victory, but several others will be out to spoil the party. Two of these challengers will be South West riders — Lucy Warwick and Kyra Yuill — who have been booked to ride Kaptain Kaos and The Velvet King respectively. Yuill said she worked the Darren McAuliffe-trained gelding on Tuesday and was happy with him. Starting quickly out of the barrier will be a priority for the hoop as the six-year-old aims for his second career win over 1600m. Some attention may also fall the way of exciting mare Kay Cee, who has drawn well for trainer Neville Parnham. In the G2 Sky Racing WA Guineas (1600m), Yuill will attempt to pilot a victory for the Williams stable when she guides three-year-old Devoted. “I have drawn barrier two, which I am very happy about,” Yuill said. “There is nothing better than to put on the cerise and white in those races, because these are the races he (Bob Peters) aims for every year.” “He has always got really nice stock underneath him. “Obviously Willie (William Pike) gets the pick, but sometimes second and third stringers have also won. “I am definitely looking forward to the Guineas – it is really nice to ride for the Grant and Alana Williams stable again with Bob Peters and wear the famous colours.” Loyal supporters of Lou Luciani’s four-year-old Hot Zed are also likely to feel confident heading into the $125,000 Carbine Club of WA Stakes (1400m), given his recent performances over the distance.