He Came, Saw & Conquered

Missing the start by five lengths generally spells the end of the penny section, but Mongolianconqueror (3 g Ocean Park - Queen Rania, by The Jogger) overcame the mishap to prevail in the $10,000 Rating 65 1400 metres on 27 December at New Plymouth.

Freshened since his last start Maiden win over a mile at Tauranga, in October, Mongolianconqueror presented in outstanding order to resume off 68 days in the race sponsored by Platinum Homes.

But things went awry when the horse, and rider Cameron Lammas, became detached from the field at the start. Recovering to seventh, Mongolianconqueror received a timely drag into contention behind stable-mate Unfazed (Zabeel), fourth, approaching the home turn and he exercised his staying qualities in a narrow victory.

Purchased for $130,000 by David Ellis, from the draft of Kiltannon Stables, at the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sales, Mongolianconqueror is owned by the Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Industry (NZ) & Te Akau Conqueror Syndicate, and now registered two wins and a second from four starts.

“He's the first joint venture I've done with Mr. Lang Lin,” Ellis said. “He came to stay at the farm at Te Akau and said he would like to do business with us, and Jamie (Richards) and I identified this horse by Ocean Park.

“Mr. Lang Lin took half and we took half for our owners, and we're very proud that he races in his famous colours (red, white V and armband, red cap).

“We're very proud to have a good horse for the Rider Horse Industry. They've already done so much for racing here in New Zealand, are set to become a force in racing worldwide, and Mr. Lang Lin is a very successful man and they are a terrific group to do business with and to train for.

“Jamie has been adamant for twelve months that the Ocean Park progeny will make the grade, especially over ground, and Mongolianconqueror looks a serious Derby horse. We liked him as a staying type and that's what we bought him for.

“He's the fifth winner we've had in the last few days and all the hard work is paying off, and six of the yearlings I bought this year at Karaka have already won as two-year-olds, which is quite incredible, and a real feather in the cap for Steve (Autridge) and Jamie (Richards).

A look at the Vodafone NZ Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) market sees Mongolianconqueror at $41.00, while Te Akau stablemates Age of Fire (Fastnet Rock) $8.00 and Te Akau Shark (Rip Van Winkle) $10.00, which Ellis bought at the same Ready to Run Sale as Mongolianconqueror, lead the way.

“It was a really good effort to win and he's an exciting horse to have in the stable,” Richards said.

“He's a horse we've liked for awhile and he's continued to develop. He's really starting to mature into his frame and this is the biggest we've seen him. He's starting to carry a bit of extra condition and rounding up nicely.

“He's in for a big campaign, on the Derby trail, and although things didn't go right today he still got the job done. We couldn't be more pleased. Cameron (Lammas) got him into a nice spot after missing the kick and he quickened up well.”

Richards said Mongolianconqueror would likely race next over a mile in two to three weeks, as a lead-up to the Waikato Guineas (Gr. 2, 2000m) on 6 February at Te Rapa, and/or the Avondale Guineas (Gr. 2, 2100m) on 17 February at Ellerslie.

Mongolianconqueror was strapped by Mason Stevens. Mason has handled three winners in the last two days for the team.

Photo credit - www.raceimges.co.nz