Nandi Stakes contender Conquest Vivi looks like a good one
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – There is plenty to look forward to in the Mark Casse barn at Woodbine this year.
The brilliant champion mare Tepin appears headed for the $1 million Woodbine Mile in September, and Leavem in Malibu is among the favorites for the upcoming Queen’s Plate.
Conquest Enforcer seems poised to become a top turf miler. His baby sister Conquest Vivi should be the prohibitive favorite in Saturday’s $125,000 Nandi Stakes, a 5 1/2-furlong sprint for Ontario-sired juvenile fillies.
Conquest Stable bought Conquest Vivi for $150,000 at a local yearling sale. She won her only start in front-running style by 6 1/4 lengths under Florent Geroux. That came in an open maiden special weight dash here June 12.
According to Casse, one of the reasons Conquest Stable bought Conquest Vivi was because of the promise that Conquest Enforcer showed early on. But Casse said he was surprised by the ability she displayed going 4 1/2 furlongs in her race.
“To me, especially with her breeding, she’s supposed to run a mile and a quarter or a mile and an eighth, so for her to win the way she did was quite impressive,” Casse said. “I wasn’t even sure she would win. I thought she would run well. Florent was really impressed with her. I met up with Florent in England because he came over to ride [at Royal Ascot], and he had a lot of praise for her.”
A field of nine was drawn for the Nandi, including Tethra’s Magic, who was supplemented. She is one of three Mike Doyle-trained entrants, along with Green Freedom and Crumlin Queen.
KEY CONTENDERS
Conquest Vivi, by Court Vision
Beyer: 73
◗ Her hot young sire won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile and Woodbine Mile. After launching his stallion career in Ontario, he was moved to Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky for this year’s breeding season.
Green Freedom, by Not Bourbon
Beyer: 63
◗ She also graduated at first asking by 6 1/4 lengths, doing so against Ontario-sired opposition at 4 1/2 furlongs.
◗ She is from the family of graded stakes winners Golden Gear and Keeper Hill.
Raglan Road, by Victor’s Cry
Beyer: 49
◗ She led all the way in the first 2-year-old race of the meet in a slow clocking over a tiring surface and has since worked nicely.
Ring in the Nite, by Where’s the Ring
◗ The unraced filly is well regarded by trainer Bill Tharrenos, who captured the 2010 Nandi with Tree Pose.