Grant Williams has abandoned Melbourne Spring Carnival aspirations for Western Empire.

Belmont Guineas winner Devoted is set to join Luke Fernie’s stable, after the Ascot trainer purchased him for $105,000 in an online sale this week.

Consistent mare The Velvet Queen is set to end her racing career in Saturday’s Group 3 Strickland Stakes (2000m) at Belmont Park.

Any notion that rain affected ground will halt the winning momentum of revived gelding Western Empire in Saturday’s Group 3 Hyperion Stakes (1600m) at Belmont has been hosed down by trainer, Grant Williams.

Any notion that rain affected ground will halt the winning momentum of revived gelding Western Empire in Saturday’s Group 3 Hyperion Stakes (1600m) at Belmont has been hosed down by trainer, Grant Williams.