Conquest Enforcer in a Good Spot for New Owners

I have the upmost respect for trainer Mark Casse and his team. Fine horsemen to be sure, there is a reason for their continued and growing success. Having said that, you never agree with someone 100% of the time, just ask my better half.

So, what is my discontent with one of the best barns in North America? I really wanted to see them do more with a talented three-year-old colt in their barn named Conquest Enforcer. It seemed he was becoming typecast as a turf sprinter. I know he had some physical issues during last winter, but I’ve always believed there was a lot more under the hood than we have yet seen from the Canadian-bred son of Into Mischief.

Then the Conquest Stables dispersal happened. As part of the immediate selling of a long list of nice horses, Conquest Enforcer was put up for sale at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale. I expected the colt, which I had liked since he was two, would bring a pretty penny or two. The gavel dropped at $785,000. It turns out the winning bidder was a partnership led by Ron Paolucci of Loooch Racing.

Go west young man. Conquest Enforcer packed up his razor and toothbrush and headed for the warmer clime of Southern California. Amidst the swimming pools and movie stars, this still largely untapped talent now resides in the barn of one of California’s best, trainer Phil D’Amato.

In new hands, and a new environment, I am on pins and needles to see what he can do. I think he can dirt, I think he can go two-turns, and I think he can be a major winner in 2017. The first part of my lofty expectations will have to wait, but we will find more about the latter two on Monday, opening day at Santa Anita.

The Grade 2 Mathis Brothers Mile offers one last hurrah for the sophomore boys before turning four. Going a mile on the grass, the field of eleven is deep, and includes several stakes winners. Off his last pair, Frank Conversation may look like the one to beat, but frankly, he does not scare me. Nor should anyone else in the field leave Conquest Enforcer shaking in his boots.

It’s time for a new beginning for Conquest Enforcer. He’s won four stakes races in his first seven starts, but I see bigger things in his future. Away from the tough, salty, and much more experienced turf sprinters stabled at Woodbine, I believe those promised good things will begin on Monday. Look for Conquest Enforcer and Flavien Prat to be led into the winner’s circle immediately following the ninth at Santa Anita.