施慕齡認為Casual Conquest 絕對有能力挑戰 Epsom Derby
Pat Smullen can see no reason why Casual Conquest would not be suited to the unique contours of Epsom if Dermot Weld allows the colt to take his chance in the Vodafone Derby.
The unbeaten son of Hernando would need to supplemented into the premier Classic at a cost of £75,000, but following his six-length demolition of the Derrinstown Derby Trial field, he now heads the ante-post market with some firms.
"You'd have to be taken by his performance at Leopardstown, he won very well," said Smullen.
"What he beat remains to be seen but it was the manner and the way he did it, there is no doubt he is a high-class colt and a very exciting horse to be involved with.
"You'd be hoping he's a horse of the highest calibre.
"There is nothing that would worry me with regards to Epsom with him, but then again I haven't won an Epsom Derby. It would be great to win one, but at the end of the day it's for the boss to decide.
"The more experience he gains the more he will benefit from in the future, but he's a very high-class horse and a very exciting horse for the year.
"I'm just very fortunate to be riding him.
"Of course I'd love to win it (the Derby), I'd be lying if I said otherwise but if it isn't this year, hopefully I can do it before I retire," he told At The Races.
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