Trainer Clinton McDonald is proceeding with Conquer The World into the Carbine Club Stakes from a maiden win, a path not originally envisioned, but his faith in the gelding remains strong.
The Toronado three-year-old is set to graduate from a significant Cranbourne maiden victory to compete in the 1600-metre Group 3 race at Flemington on Derby Day.
The $500,000 Carbine Club Stakes is recognised for producing top-class horses, with a history that includes Saintly and Aeliana, and numerous Group 1 winners in between. McDonald is optimistic that Conquer The World is ready to perform.
“I think he’s a very good horse and potentially a very good horse,” the Cranbourne trainer commented.
“We’re just taking him along very steady, not asking too much of him, and I think this is a nice progression; fourth run into the Carbine Club at 1600m.
“He’s a big imposing individual and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.”
Conquer The World took three starts to achieve his maiden win, but his previous two outings were meritorious, including a narrow second over 1325m at Geelong and a compelling debut third over 1100m, where he finished with a strong run from the back, beaten just under 1-1/2 lengths.
The advantage of his initial races was evident when he easily outclassed his rivals by six lengths over 1400m at Cranbourne on October 16, with Ben Melham in the saddle.
“Since he had that second-up run, where Ben gave him one around the bum for the first time ever in his life, it really switched him on and we saw what he did at Cranbourne,” McDonald explained regarding the gelding’s development.
Conquer The World is raced by connections who also share ownership in stablemate Nikitria, who is another participant at Flemington on Derby Day.
The daughter of The Autumn Sun will have the chance to secure her spot in the VRC Oaks (2500m) next Thursday by competing in the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m).
Nikitria has been unplaced in two starts over 1600m since her first-up win over 1300m at Seymour on September 10, and McDonald has been eager to step her up in distance.
“We reckon she’s looking for 2000 and we’ve put blinkers on her just to sharpen her up a little bit,” McDonald said.
“She’s been a victim of her barriers that filly, always having to go back because she hasn’t drawn a gate, but if she draws a barrier she’ll land in the first half-dozen and she’ll stay all day.”
Check out the betting markets for the Carbine Club Stakes at Australian betting sites.
