Goggin All Set To Conquer The Valley
- Thursday, 27 May 2010 23:38
Former Tasmanian Horse Of The Year Conquering will be looking to string consecutive Melbourne wins together on Saturday when he contests the $70,000 Geoff Torney Cup (1600m) at Moonee Valley.
Having already won four times on the mainland throughout his remarkable career the seven-year-old sprinter-miler has nothing to prove but everything to gain as he winds up an epic preparation which began back in July 2009.
Conquering is trained by Tasmanian Hall Of Fame trainer Charlie Goggin who considered tipping the gelding out following his Sandown victory but was convinced to roll the dice again after arriving back in his home state.
"He just seemed rather well when we got home," said Goggin at track-work this morning.
"The race didn't take a lot out of him so I decided to have a look at what was coming up and the lure of only going up a kilo on his win sealed the deal."
The horse equivalent to an all rounder, Conquering has won from 1080m to 2100m and has been successful with up to 65.5kgs on his back but Goggin strongly believes the mile is his ideal distance.
"Around the mile is his go I think, perhaps up to 1800m, that's when we see the best of him," said Goggin who rates the gelding among the best horses he has ever trained.
"I rate him very highly, up there with the best"
"He has won on every Victorian metropolitan track which is a big effort for any horse let alone one based in Tasmania," Goggin added.
Goggin will again hand the reins to three claiming apprentice Nathan Rose who has partnered Conquering to two wins from as many rides.
"Nathan won on him a while back in Tassie and the fact that he knows the horse and can claim three kilo's are just a big bonus," said Goggin.
Conquering will start from the widest barrier but will no doubt cross the field and dictate terms from the front giving all his supporters an honest run for their money.
Picture: Sportpix
