Fan favourite William Pike is nearing a return to race riding after a lengthy stint on the sidelines due to injury.
Pike sustained a broken heel in a home accident and has been off the scene since booting home a treble at Pinjarra in January.
There were serious concerns that Pike would be in a race against time to be fit for Ascot's rich autumn carnival.
But with the $5 million The Quokka (1200m) and Karrakatta Plate (1200m) fast approaching, Pike's road back received a major boost when he was given the all-clear to resume riding.
Known as the Wizards from the West, Pike will take a cautious approach to his comeback, but if all goes according to plan he could be back in the saddle riding competitively by next week.
"The doctor gave me permission to resume light duties," Pike told The Races WA.
"He's very happy with how the heel has mended.
"If I can survive the track work I'm away.
"I'll start off slowly and won't be rushing anything.
"I'll be overly cautious early and won't look at coming back until I am 100 per cent confident in my foot.
"But if all goes well I could be back at trials on Monday and look to take rides for Saturday week."
Despite being away from racing for two months, Pike still maintains his lead in Perth's jockey premiership.
Pike's ridden 66 metropolitan winners this season, seven clear of his next rival, Chris Parnham.
In the Australian premiership Pike's slipped to third, with 105 overall wins he sits behind James Orman (119.5) and Damian Lane (110).
