Pike Rapt In Keshi Boom Progress
The progress of boom filly Keshi Boom continues to please jockey William Pike as her much anticipated return to racing gathers momentum.
All eyes are focused on the unbeaten Grant and Alana Williams-trained three-year-old who stamped her claims as a budding star last year.
Keshi Boom completed a campaign clean sweep that culminated in winning the Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m)-Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) double.
Having her second 950m hit out at Lark Hill today (Monday), Pike said Keshi Boom took an important step towards her comeback in a four-horse heat.
Keshi Boom ran a comfortable 1.5 length third and importantly was doing her best work late over the last 50m when bridging the gap on Savage One.
Pike said Keshi Boom was on track for her race return.
“I thought she trialled well,” Pike told The Races WA.
“I know she didn’t win the trial, but that’s perfectly fine.
“I thought she ran through the line and let down well.
“She showed a lot of improvement from the first trial to the next.
“I thought she peaked on her effort on her first trial, which is understandable.
“Today, every time I asked she gave me an effort and felt good in doing it.
“She didn’t miss a beat and her attitude was beautiful and her stride perfect.
“It was only a trial and I think she’s going well.”
Pike believes that team Williams are likely to delay Keshi Boom’s return until the Belmont season.
Pike also gave a glowing report on stablemate Western Empire after a cracking first-up third in the $200,000 Drummond Golf Joey (1200m) at Ascot last Saturday.
The six-year-old won the G1 Railway Stakes (1600m) for the Williams’ in 2021 and is back in their care after an unsuccessful stint in Melbourne.
“He gave a great feel,” Pike said.
“All the reports were that he was flying in Melbourne, but just didn’t take it to the races.
“We weren’t sure he was going to perform under pressure, but he did it very well.”
Julio Santarelli