Siding Spring, Conquest Windycity headed in different directions

Trainer Mark Casse has a handful of quality 3-year-olds who wintered at Oaklawn, and with the meet to wrap soon, Siding Spring and Conquest Windycity are heading in different directions.

Casse said Siding Spring, fifth in the Grade 3 Southwest in February at Oaklawn, is now based at Keeneland. He said plans call for a return to turf for the horse, who last year won his debut at Kentucky Downs and proceeded to run third in the Grade 3 Bourbon at Keeneland.

Conquest Windycity, a notable allowance winner Feb. 19 at Oaklawn, was eighth in the Louisiana Derby last out at Fair Grounds. In both races, he was ridden by Joe Rocco Jr., and Casse said the rider told him that in the Louisiana Derby, Conquest Windycity “never handled the track at any point in time.” Casse said Conquest Windycity will be pointed for a stakes at Woodbine.

◗ Casse said Theogony is pointing for the Grade 1, $600,000 Apple Blossom Handicap on April 15 at Oaklawn. .

◗ Grade 1 winner Noble Bird, who wintered at Oaklawn, is now based at Keeneland, said Casse.