Conquest Mo Money streaking into Sunland Park Derby

Miguel Hernandez never won the Sunland Park Derby as a jockey, but he has a good chance to do so as a trainer with the undefeated Conquest Mo Money.

The horse improved his record to 3 for 3 in last weekend’s Mine That Bird Derby, which served as the local prep for the Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Derby. Conquest Mo Money is now bound for the March 26 race, Hernandez said Wednesday.

Hernandez won riding titles at Sunland, Zia Park, Ruidoso, and Turf Paradise during a 33-year career in the saddle that came to an end in a spill in 2013.

“I had a bad accident in 2013, and I broke my back,” said Hernandez, 51.

He underwent two surgeries and rehabilitation, and after eventually returning to work under trainer Justin Evans, he went out on his own as a conditioner in 2015.

“Things healed correctly, thank God,” Hernandez said. “Sometimes I ride the pony, but I think it’s better right now to be a trainer, especially with this horse.”

Conquest Mo Money is a New York-bred son of Uncle Mo who has made all of his starts at two turns at Sunland. He debuted Jan. 6 in a maiden special weight race at a mile and was up for a neck win. Conquest Mo Money then tested stakes rivals at the same distance and was always prominent for an 11-length win in the $100,000 Riley Allison. From there, he rolled by two lengths in the Mine That Bird at 1 1/16 miles, earning a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 76. Conquest Mo Money will move to 1 1/8 miles for the Sunland Derby.

“I think the farther he goes is going to be better for him,” Hernandez said. “He’s a nice horse. He’s always kind of quiet. He’s a classy horse.”

Hernandez knows the Sunland Derby will be a stern test since shippers will invade for that race and the $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks.

“I hope he runs the same way as he’s running right now,” he said. “It’s going to be tougher company. They’ll bring in some pretty nice horses. It’s going to be a pretty good race for him to see what kind of a horse he is.”

Conquest Mo Money is owned by the Judge Lanier Racing operation of Tom and Sandra McKenna. Hernandez is a private trainer for the couple, who lead the standings at Sunland. Judge Lanier Racing purchased Conquest Mo Money for $8,500 at auction last November at Keeneland. The horse is from the female family of Belmont Stakes winner Touch Gold.

The McKennas and Hernandez also have Oh So Regal, the third-place finisher in the Mine That Bird, pointing for the Sunland Derby. On the same card, the team plans to start African Rose in the Harry Henson. She is a three-time winner of the race and is coming off a victory in last month’s El Diario at Sunland.

Hernandez said Jorge Carreno has the mount on Conquest Mo Money in the Sunland Derby. The trainer with 36 horses in his care ranks among the meet’s leaders with 16 wins from 76 starts for stable earnings of $444,798.