Big Macher, Conquest Two Step headed to Golden Shaheen

Three Southern California-based sprinters – Big Macher, Conquest Two Step, and Secret Circle – are candidates for the $2 million Golden Shaheen at six furlongs at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on March 28.

Conquest Two Step and Secret Circle were first and second in the Grade 2 Palos Verdes Stakes at six furlongs Jan. 31. Big Macher was fifth in that race.

On Friday, Big Macher worked a half-mile in 47.80 seconds.

“We’re planning on going if he continues to do well,” trainer Richard Baltas said.

Big Macher, who won the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar last July, races for Tom Mansor and Tachycardia Stables.

Conquest Two Step won his first stakes in the Palos Verdes. The 4-year-old races for Ernie Semersky and Dory Newell’s Conquest Stable and is trained by Mark Casse, who said on Friday that an invitation to the Golden Shaheen has been accepted.

Secret Circle is best known for winning the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Santa Anita for owners Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman. Trainer Bob Baffert said on Friday that Secret Circle is possible for Dubai but could stay in Southern California.