Conquest Pacemaker tries Polytrack in Victoria Park

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Conquest Pacemaker has won his last two starts on grass but will make his first start on Polytrack on Sunday in the $125,000 Victoria Park Stakes for 3-year-olds at Woodbine.

Conquest Pacemaker encountered a troubled trip in his career debut May 24, bounced back to win July 11 in his second start, and ran away from the field July 26 in the Toronto Cup Stakes over 1 1/8 miles on the turf course last time out. Trainer Mark Casse said the Victoria Park Stakes will serve as a prep for Conquest Pacemaker ahead of a targeted race at Kentucky Downs next month.

“He’s run really well on the turf, and he’s trained extremely well on the synthetic,” said Casse. “I’m probably going to give him a try. His ultimate goal is a race at Kentucky Downs in three or four weeks, and I wanted to give him a race in between.”

Casse also has entered Conquest Cobra in the race and said he has not decided whether both stablemates will enter the starting gate.

Key contenders

Conquest Pacemaker (Last 3 Beyers: 87-76-61)

* Expect Conquest Pacemaker to live up to his name in the Victoria Park as there doesn’t appear to be a lot of early speed in the race.

* Leading rider Eurico Da Silva, who has been Billy’s Star’s regular rider throughout his career, is named on both Conquest Pacemaker and Conquest Cobra in the Victoria Park.

U S Marshal (Last 3 Beyers: 76-75-81)

* He could be due for an improvement while getting back on Polytrack after running off the board in his last two starts in turf stakes.

* He won the Wando Stakes over 1 1/16 miles with an 89 Beyer Speed Figure in April before running a close fourth to Shaman Ghost in the Grade 3 Marine Stakes on May 16.

Billy’s Star (Last 3 Beyers: 80-83-78)

* After running fourth in the Queen’s Plate, Billy’s Star ran a close third against older horses in an allowance over 1 1/16 miles on grass. The winner of that event has been entered in the Grade 2 Play the King Stakes later on the Sunday card.

* With Da Silva named on Conquest Pacemaker and Conquest Cobra, Billy’s Star inherits the services of leading stakes rider Alan Garcia.

Conquest Cobra (Last 3 Beyers: 72-84-83)

* He has won two of his last three starts while facing older horses on Polytrack.

* He should be forwardly placed early but likely will settle off stablemate Conquest Pacemaker should he make the starting gate.