Conquest Farenheit dominates fellow sophomores in Pasadena

Heavily favored Conquest Farenheit dominated eight fellow sophomores in taking Sunday’s $75,000 Pasadena Stakes by 2 ¼ lengths under Norberto Arroyo, Jr. Trained by Peter Miller, the Kentucky-bred colt by Scat Daddy set fast front-running fractions while getting a mile on turf in 1:33.58.

“What a horse!” exclaimed Miller.“This is a serious horse.For him to run that way with fast splits (22.94, 45.59, 1:09.46 and 1:21.46) and come away like he did is pretty impressive. It showed he could get two turns and it looked like he had another gear. I think we’ll try him next in the American Turf Derby at Churchill Downs (Grade II, 1 1/16 miles on May 6).”

An impressive winner of the Baffle Stakes going 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course on Feb. 20, Conquest Farenheit was the even money favorite and paid $4.20, $3.40 and $2.60.

“I love the way he ran today,” said Arroyo, who was also aboard for the Baffle win.“He’s still learning. He was waiting for horses in the stretch, pricking his ears back and forth. He settled nice with me today and I expect him to get better as he goes on. He was full of run with me galloping out.”

Owned by Rockingham Ranch and Chad Littlefield, Conquest Farenheit provided Miller with his second win on the day, which gives him a Winter Meet best of 30 victories through 46 racing days. Conquest Farenheit is now 5-3-1-1 overall and with the winner’s share of $47,700, he has earnings of $157,745.

Ridden by Jesus Rios, previously undefeated Taco tasted defeat in his fifth start, finishing second by a half length over Cistron as both pressed the pace throughout. Off at 7-1, Taco paid $6.20 and $4.40.

Cistron, who was ridden by Tyler Baze, was off at 9-1 and paid $4.20 to show.