Grant and Alana Williams are hoping their well-timed preparation with Western Empire will pay off when they line up against the unbeaten Overpass in The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot on April 26.

Last year, the training duo had a shot at the rich race with Triple Missile but enter this year’s contest far more confident with their stable veteran Western Empire. The Group 1 winner hasn’t been seen since taking out the Gold Rush (1400m) in December.

“I’m really happy with the big fella, he’s going good,” Grant Williams said on Tabradio.

“His first up runs are great, normally.

“His first up run last year was in the Joey, and he could have almost won that.

“His 1100m race (Colonel Reeves) before the Winterbottom (1200m) was a great one as well.

“We can obviously change a couple of slight things, and I think we’ll be pretty right going into it first up.

“Touch wood, we’ve had a really good prep with him, nothing has gone wrong., we’ve been able to get the work into him.

“We’re pretty happy with where he is at at the minute.”

With $2.6 million in prize money already to his name, Western Empire is widely regarded as the best local hope to knock off Overpass in WA’s richest sprint.

Overpass, meanwhile, brings a perfect record in Perth—three visits, three wins—including the past two editions of The Quokka and a Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes.

The streak almost came to an end when Briasa edged him out in the T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick last weekend, while Headwall, third in that same race, also confirmed his Quokka spot.

Betting markets reflect the challenge ahead with Overpass favoured at $2.70, Headwall at $5, and Western Empire at $6.

Despite the challenge, Williams believes Western Empire is up for the task.

“He’s a quality horse,” Williams said.

“Obviously, we’ve all looked at Overpass and we’re under no illusions, he’s three from three over here and the horse to beat, but all we can do is worry about our own horse.

“After the Winterbottom, Larns (Alana) and I sat down and worked out how we can change a few things, have him sharper in that sort of distance.

“He’s not that far off, he’s come out and won the Gold Rush.

“One of the things was to go into it first up, fresh.

“He’s going to be nice and hard; he does plenty of work at home.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Western Empire will have one final trial at Belmont next Monday ahead of his Quokka appearance, with William Pike locked in to ride.