Success continues to roll in for Western Empire

It has been a curious period for Western Empire, who has long been seen as one of the most talented horses in Australia. 

Finally, Grant Williams looks to have a hold on the plan for Western Empire moving forwards, with a trio of big races on the horizon, before a potential Cox Plate entry, which is exciting many racing punters and online betting sites. 

The Cox Plate remains one of the biggest races on the calendar, with horses, trainers and jockeys developing their plan for the race months, if not years, in advance. 
 
Grant Williams has been enjoying plenty of success lately as a trainer, but he has one horse in particular that gets his juices flowing more than most. 
 
Western Empire is a prolific talent and former Group 1 winner, who is looking to rekindle its best form, ahead of a busy spell ahead, with the Cox Plate very much in mind for connections in 2024, a prospect that is hugely exciting for both punters and Aussie bookmakers.

Heading North 

Whilst the Northam Stakes was seen as a race that Western Empire should win from the outset, the manner with which Western Empire got the job done was hugely impressive. 
 
Prevailing by 2.5 lengths from surprise package Mood Swings doesn’t tell the whole story, as Western Empire dominated the contest in impressive fashion under William Pike. 
 
It was Western Empire’s first win since November 2021, and it was testament to the mental strength of Western Empire that he managed to get over the line and pick up the win at Northam. 
 
Big races on the agenda 

Grant Williams was visibly delighted at the return to form of Western Empire, and it is a return to the winner’s enclosure that has intrigued plenty of owners, trainers, punters and online betting sites. 
 
The Belmont Stakes is next on the agenda, a race that should be a good fit for Western Empire, as he looks to kick on and put more miles in the tank. 
 
Beyond that is the Hyperion Stakes, a strong challenge over 1600m, before the Strickland Stakes – a race that is seen as the acid test ahead of the Cox Plate. 
 
Cox Plate plans 

The Cox Plate continues to carry so much weight in the international horse racing calendar and the 2024 edition promises to be an absolute cracker. 
 
When winning the Railway Stakes back in 2021, Western Empire has been viewed as a potential winner of a race of that caliber ever since. 
 
Success in any of the three races listed above would yield a spot in the 2024 Cox Plate and Western Empire is seen as a horse that could go all the way with many betting apps. 

Plans are afoot for the 2024 Cox Plate, with Western Empire seen as a front runner for the crown at Flemington. 

There are big races ahead for Western Empire and if he can come through them, he looks to be a genuine Cox Plate contender with many online betting sites and punters alike.