Conquest set for Molecomb test

Connections of Windsor Castle Stakes runner-up Conquest are hoping he can continue on the upward curve in the Betfair Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood.

The William-Haggas-trained colt was beaten just a neck by subsequent Weatherbys Super Sprint winner Elhamri at Royal Ascot before notching a confidence-boosting win in a Nottingham maiden last time.

Conquest was blinkered in those two races and the headgear is set to stay on according to Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.

He said: “It was great to see his Royal Ascot conqueror Elhamri win at Newbury on Saturday as it gives the form a real boost.

“Some people were rude about him after his defeat at Ascot but he won at Nottingham and although he didn’t beat much, he was still impressive.

“He seems happy in blinkers as they help him concentrate, so for the moment we will keep them on.

“The plan is to go for the Molecomb and see how he gets on there and then we will look at the Gimcrack Stakes at York.

“He’s a very fast horse and, touch wood, he’s improving.”