Owner and Breeder, Mr Bob Peters, will be hoping Western Empire can add to his emphatic victory in the Listed Lex Piper Stakes when he steps out in the Listed Schweppes - J.C Roberts Stakes (1800m) at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday.
The galloper out of star mare Western Jewel was able to win the Lex Piper by over five-lengths, demonstrating to the rest of the racing public the ability that he had shown connections behind closed doors.
Western Empire was initially a chance of heading to Victoria for the Group 1 Australian Guineas before failing to impress in the Listed Challenge Stakes, his focus has now been turned to the Group 2 WATC Derby at Ascot (2400m) on April 10.
The J.C Roberts Stakes and the Listed Natasha Stakes (2200m) this weekend are the lead-ups for the Derby hopefuls, with Peters having Reliable Star and Pure Devotion in the filly's race.
All eyes will be on the cerise and white across the weekend, with Arcadia Queen taking her place in the All-Star Mile at Moonee Valley with William Pike in the saddle.