Highclere target Bengough Conquest

Connections of Conquest are confident that the four-year-old will give a good account of himself in the Willmott Dixon Bengough Memorial Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

The Willie Haggas inmate was a narrow winner of the Stewards’ Cup at Glorious Goodwood in August and was far from disgraced when fourth in Ripon’s Great St Wilfrid Stakes.

He failed to get the run of the race over seven furlongs at Ascot last time and Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, believes that he should take a hand in the finish.

“Our main aim for his last run was the Ayr Gold Cup but we were forced to miss that race because of the desperate ground up there,” said Herbert.

“So we had to redirect him to Ascot and he had a problem in the stalls and was hampered in the straight – it was all very frustrating.

“He still didn’t run badly, though, and he is in seriously good form.

“We know on his day he is a serious horse and the form of these top handicap sprinters is transferable to Group form.

“There have been Group winners coming out of the Stewards’ Cup and he deserves to take his chance in this race.

“He needs a fast pace but if everything falls right for him, he would definitely have every chance.

“This will probably be his last run for Highclere and he will then head to the Horses in Training sale.”