The 2021 edition of the Group 1 Heineken 3-Railway Stakes (1600m) is being dominated by Western Empire.
The four-year-old gelding who won the Group 2 WATC Derby last preparation, is shooting for five victories in a row when he steps out on Saturday.
Jumping as the second favourite in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes, Western Empire destroyed the field and was eased down well before the line by jockey William Pike.
The cerise and white galloper firmed into favourite for this event and has been all the rage leading up to it.
He will jump from barrier 3 after getting the perfect draw on Tuesday at Ascot Racecourse, and most of his rivals now meet him worse in the weights for their most recent defeat.
The combination of Grant and Alana Williams with William Pike are looking for four Railway Stakes victories in a row.
They won 2018 with Galaxy Star, 2019 with Regal Power and last year with Inspirational Girl.
The cerise and white look poised for another big day at Ascot, Treasured Star is also the favourite for the Group 2 Sky Racing-WA Guineas (1600m).