Conquest excels in Derby trial

Casual Conquest produced a tremendous performance to run out an impressive winner of the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown.

Dermot Weld’s 13-2 chance was making his seasonal reappearance in the 10-furlong Group Two feature but evidently lacked nothing for fitness as he readily brushed aside Washington Irving and Moiqen.

Casual Conquest turned for home in last place but rocketed to the front well over a furlong from home once Pat Smullen asked his mount to go about his business.

Washington Irving, sent off the 4-6 favourite, did not enjoy the smoothest of passages but was six lengths down at the line and did not make any inroads late on.

Although William Hill make Casual Conquest their 7-1 third favourite for the Vodafone Derby, he is not entered for the Epsom highlight and seems likely to run in the French equivalent.

“He’s in the French and the Irish Derby and it’s a great pity the entry fee is too high for the Epsom Derby,” said Weld.

“We’ll speak to (owners) Moyglare Stud but the French Derby is probably the likely option.

“He’s had a little hold-up but he’s really come to himself in the last few weeks and I thought he was capable of winning.”