Western Empire is now a $1.80 TABtouch favourite for Saturday’s Heineken 3-Railway Stakes (1600m) after he drew barrier three at this afternoon’s barrier draw.

The four-year-old returned in style to take out last month’s Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) and looks well placed to deliver jockey William Pike and trainers Grant and Alana Williams a fourth straight win in the Group 1 event.

After drawing barrier three, owner Bob Peters said he felt the reigning WA Derby winner was ready to win a Group 1.

“I don’t normally like being the favourite but looking at his last run he’s earned that,” he told Sky Thoroughbred Central.

“When he won the Asian Beau, I worked out he’s probably got the ability to go forward at this level.

“He’s gradually learning and is a lot more tractable.”

Peters, together with wife Sandra, have teamed up with Pike and the Williams’ to score Railway wins with Elite Belle (2014), Galaxy Star (2018), Regal Power (2019) and Inspirational Girl (2020).

Kissonallforcheeks, who won the race named after Peters last Saturday, was also a firmer from $8 to $6.50 after she drew barrier one.

Trainer Dan Morton said he was happy with how the mare came through her Group 3 win last weekend and the low barrier.

“We were fortunate it wasn’t an overly taxing run,” he said.

“She’s come through in good order and we are looking forward to Saturday.

“The key for her was drawing a good gate and getting covered up early.”

View the Railway Stakes market here.

View the full field and barrier draw here.