Conquering Marie pulls upset in Golden State Derby

Conquering Marie, the second-longest shot in a field of nine, escaped the traffic problems that plagued several leading contenders to record an upset win in Sunday’s $211,100 Golden State Derby for 3-year-old Quarter Horses at Los Alamitos.

Ridden by Ruben Castro, Conquering Marie broke from post 3 and was away without incident. The horses drawn in the three positions to her outside, including 3-5 favorite Chocolatito, were hampered shortly after the start when Delayed Steal veered in sharply in the first few strides from post 7.

Conquering Marie ($78.80) won by a neck over 7-1 Bail Czech, who broke from post 8. Favorite Motion, the 5-2 second choice, overcame the bumping incident from a start in post 5 to finish third. Chocolatito, who unseated jockey Vinnie Bednar behind the gate, broke a stride slow and was unable to overcome the incident after the start. Chocolatito finished fifth, beaten 1 3/4 lengths.

Delayed Steal finished sixth, but was disqualified and placed last for causing interference.

Conquering Marie, an Oklahoma-bred filly by Coronado Cartel, races for Reliance Ranches and trainer Mike Robbins. Conquering Marie earned $88,662. The Golden State Derby was her fourth win in 14 starts and first stakes win.

Conquering Marie, who has earned $124,193, was third in the $53,100 Ruidoso Derby Challenge in New Mexico in June.