Halfbrothers to rule at Winton
CHRISTCHURCH: Young Conqueror and his younger halfbrother, Mighty Conqueror, can play starring roles at Winton tomorrow.
Impressive 3yrold debut winner Mighty Conqueror, by American Ideal, is a leading chance in the $12,000 Nuggets Final, race 9 on Southern Belle Speed Series raceday at Central Southland Raceway.
His yearolder Mach Three halfbrother, Young Conqueror, lines up in the next race, the $14,999 Winton Businesses Cup.
Mighty Conqueror furthered the impressive broodmare record of his dam, Ballroom Babe, with a gritty debut win for Invercargill trainer Mark Shirley at Ascot Park last Saturday. The Presidential Ball mare has left five winners of 19 winners from only six horses torace.
Shirley and good friend Malcolm Dewe, of Canterbury, bought Ballroom Babe when she was carrying Young Conqueror.
‘‘Malcolm raised Young Conqueror and I developed him and we sold him to Robert Symon, and Mighty Conqueror is the next foal,’’ Shirley said.
Ballroom Babe’s tally of wins could hit 20 tomorrow if Mighty Conqueror can again show his impressive staying prowess against his Nuggets Final rivals.
Shirley has been associated with some good horses in his time, mainly through his late father, Gil’s, stable, and he puts Mighty Conqueror at the top of the list.
‘‘He is the best horse I have had anything to do with.’’
He thinks his horse can take the big step up from maiden grade to racing more hardened horses.
‘‘You still need to have luck in the running, but all going well I believe he can make the step up.’’
Young Conqueror was kicked by a stablemate in December. Though the injury was a setback, the enforced break had helped to develop the horse, Shirley said.
The consistent Brett Graytrained Young Conqueror looks the leading Southland hope to head off a wave of Canterbury raiders in the Winton Cup. — NZ Harness News