William Pike hoping for more luck this time on board Moonwalk as he chases fourth Burgess Queen Stakes

William Pike chases a fourth Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Tuesday, partnering $17 outsider Moonwalk in the Listed $125,000 contest for Grant and Alana Williams. Pike won the event 19 years ago with David Brideoake’s Pantenny before combining with the Williams’ to salute with both Mikimoto (2017) and Keshi Boom (2023). The master trainers have won the race an additional two times with Antique Belle (2012) and Ideal Image (2014), while Alana also has the distinction of riding 2003 winner Belhari for Warwick Bradshaw. Moonwalk beat home tomorrow’s market principal Playin’it Sweet ($3.50f) in a Belmont event in May before that filly turned the tables on her two weeks later at Pinjarra. Spelled subsequently, the chestnut resumed with a Northam 1000m success on October 8 before being trapped in limited room for most of the straight when fifth on October 18. From gate 11, the widest in the field, Pike will have his work cut out, and punters are deserting the drifting roughie. “She’ll run well. I didn’t have a lot of luck - I was strung up in behind them (last start),” Pike told TABradio. “What sort of run I’ll get, (I’m not sure), but I’m not worried about it.” With a positive showing tomorrow, it will hold the daughter of Bondi in good stead for the Group 3 $300,000 WA Champion Fillies’ Stakes (1600m) on October 15, and even the Group 2 $500,000 WA Guineas (1600m) a week later for which she is currently a $34 chance. “I’m pretty sure she will (get more distance). She’s that type of build and that nature,” Pike said. “She’s got a calm head on her shoulders and I’d be surprised if she can’t step out to a mile and go even better.” The Williams’ have won seven Champion Fillies’ and Pike six, while they have combined for four Guineas triumphs, adding to Pike’s 2004 success on Dr John. + At Monday’s Melbourne Cup Call Of The Card function where bookmakers allow punters to place big bets, heavy support rained in for Irish raider Al Riffa, who is now an outright favourite at $7. EasyGo, a Melbourne tech company that has legendary hoop Frankie Dettori as an ambassador, who tipped Al Riffa strongly to his employers. Australian Bloodstock, who recently purchased the stallion and race him with Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien, also backed the horse with $200,000 cash at $7.50. Another bet of $150,000 at $7.50 soon followed, before form analyst and tipster Wolfden joined the fun and are on to win $1 million. As much as $11 was bet by TABtouch following the barrier draw where the bay was dealt barrier 19, though the punting public remain optimistic that WA-born jockey Mark Zahra can claim his third Cup in four years after Gold Trip and Without A Fight’s successes in 2022 and 2023.