Regal Conqueror takes to turf in Ontario Damsel

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Given the success of her sire and dam on the grass throughout their racing careers, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that Regal Conqueror would find success on turf as well.

After two out-of-the-money finishes sprinting on the Polytrack to start the year, Regal Conqueror went off at 7-1 in her turf debut in the $150,000 Ontario Damsel Stakes on Saturday at Woodbine. She rallied down the lane under jockey Eurico Da Silva to win by a half-length over Skylander Girl.

“Eurico had her in a really nice spot,” said trainer Darwin Banach. “I thought maybe she was a little close early, but when I saw the fractions I thought [Da Rosa] was in a perfect spot.”

Regal Conqueror is by Grade 1 turf winner Sky Conqueror and out of Classic Stamp, who won multiple graded stakes going long on the turf.

Banach said the original goal for Regal Conqueror at the start of the year was the Woodbine Oaks, but plans changed after her first two races. The $250,000 Wonder Where Stakes over 1 1/4 miles on turf for Canadian-bred 3-year-old fillies could be next after Saturday’s win.

“[The Wonder Where] has been in the back of my mind,” Banach said. “As soon as we couldn’t be successful going on the Polytrack, turf became the focus.”