Weld sweet on casual Derby bid

Casual Conquest has received Dermot Weld’s blessing to run in the Vodafone Derby.

Although the colt does not hold an entry in the June 7 Classic at Epsom, the Curragh handler hopes to convince his owners, Moyglare Stud, to supplement him at a cost of £75,000 (€95,000).

Weld said: “I will speak later today to Mr (Walter) Haefner (Moyglare’s owner) and my recommendation for him is to run at Epsom. I will encourage him to supplement the horse and to run in the race.”

The son of Hernando is unbeaten in competitive action and was last seen demolishing a strong line-up in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown.

Casual Conquest also pleased connections in a gallop after racing at Leopardstown on Wednesday night.

Weld added: “Casual Conquest worked yesterday evening at 9.15pm and I was satisfied with the way he worked.

“He wasn’t as explosive at the end as when he won the Derrinstown, but Pat Smullen was very pleased with him and said he idled when he hit the front. He’s come out of the work well and I’m very happy with him.”