Trainer Grant Williams has flagged the possible return of Western Empire in next week’s $200,000 Joey (1200m) at Ascot.

One month on from their Perth Cup (2400m) success, trainers Grant and Alana Williams have quickly turned their attention to upcoming feature races.

Such is the aura surrounding veteran Sydney galloper Zaaki, champion jockey William Pike fears rivals maybe running for second spot in Saturday’s G1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot.

In-form trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott will chase feature races on Australia’s east and west coasts.

Victorian visitor looking to pull off seldom-achieved feat in Perth feature.