Western Empire signalled he’s ready for a major showing in the upcoming $5 million Kia-Quokka (1200m) with a strong trial win at Belmont on Monday morning.

Less than a fortnight out from WA’s richest sprint, the seven-year-old impressed over 1000m, going straight to the front under William Pike and holding the lead comfortably to the finish.

He was urged along late in the trial and responded generously, crossing the line ahead of Twain’s Angel and Ripcord, the latter making a run from the rear.

It was Western Empire’s final serious piece of work before the Quokka, where he’ll step out for trainers Grant and Alana Williams with strong support.

“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 remains one of WA’s top contenders to upset Overpass, who leads the Quokka market at $2.50 following his second-place run to Briasa in the T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m).

Western Empire is currently rated a $5 chance, just ahead of Jokers Grin at $5.50, who ran second in the Roma Cup (1100m) after being demoted from a dead heat with The Boss Lady.

He hasn’t raced since winning the The Gold Rush (1400m) in December. Pike missed that ride but has been part of many of the gelding’s biggest moments, including their win in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) in 2021.