Trainer Clinton McDonald had not originally intended for Conquer The World to jump from a maiden directly into the Carbine Club Stakes, but he remains confident in the gelding’s abilities.
The three-year-old, by Toronado, will progress from a significant Cranbourne maiden victory to contest the 1600-metre Group 3 race at Flemington on Derby Day.
The $500,000 Carbine Club Stakes has a strong history of identifying future stars, having produced champions like Saintly and Aeliana, alongside numerous Group 1 winners. McDonald is hopeful that Conquer The World will live up to his name.
“I think he’s a very good horse and potentially a very good horse,” the Cranbourne-based trainer stated.
“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 required three starts to break his maiden, though his earlier performances showed promise. He finished a close second over 1325m at Geelong and had a notable debut third over 1100m, where he finished strongly from the back, beaten less than 1-1/2 lengths.
The benefits of his initial outings were evident when he dominated 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 commented on the gelding’s development.
Conquer The World shares ownership with stablemate Nikitria, who is also scheduled to race at Flemington on Derby Day.
The filly by The Autumn Sun will have an opportunity to secure a place in the VRC Oaks (2500m) next Thursday via the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m).
Nikitria has not placed in two starts over 1600m since her initial win over 1300m at Seymour on September 10, and McDonald has been anticipating stepping 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 explained.
“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.”
Punters can get involved with the Carbine Club Stakes through various Australian betting sites, offering competitive racing odds.