Perth Wildcats champion Damian Martin was already poised to have a special weekend with his jersey to be retired alongside fellow Wildcats greats on Sunday.

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

Favourite wins Perth New Year’s Day feature in tight finish.

Champion jockey William Pike agrees with a fair chunk of pundits that key factors are in play for Casino Seventeen to win Monday’s Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) at Ascot.

Be Optimistic will bid to claim a feature race hat-trick ahead of her grand final mission at Ascot on New Year’s Day.