Conquistadores' consistency to prevail at Gatton

By Glenn Davis

Co-trainer Peter Hulbert is hopeful Conquistadores can live up to his consistent record of earning prize money cheques when the gelding returns to Gatton on Tuesday.

Conquistadores, a four-year-old son of Heroic Valour, lines up for only his 11th start in the Class 2 Handicap over 1600 metres.

Peter, who trains in partnership with son Will, will also saddle up stable mate Sir Carter in the Benchmark 65 Handicap over 1100 metres.

Conquistadores returned from knee surgery to finish fourth in his first start since November last year in a 1400 metre Benchmark 65 at Gatton on August 20.

“He’s been very consistent all his career and has only missed a prize money cheque once,” Peter said.

“He’s only had the one win, but he’s placed three times and hasn’t been far off them in a few other races.

“His last run was very good when he ran fourth as it was his first start since he had chips taken out of both front knees and had six months off to recover.”

Conquistadores is a product of the Magic Millions March sales and will be ridden by apprentice Jace McMurray.

“He’s got 60kgs so we’re going with the claim for a bit of weight relief,” Peter said.

McMurray is apprenticed to trainer Adam Campton who won the Gold Coast trainers’ premiership last season.

Meanwhile, Peter is hopeful another apprentice, Rob Thorburn, can turn Sir Carter’s fortunes around in the Benchmark 65 Handicap.

Sir Carter has just two wins from 21 starts in his career. 

However, he showed his liking for the Gatton track winning an 1100 metre Class 1 Handicap there on March 30.

Sir Carter was beaten just over two lengths last start when fifth to the Greg Cornish-trained Dawyn’s Choice in an 800 metre Benchmark race on August 2.

“We’ve also decided to claim on him as he’s also got 60kgs, as well,” Peter said.

“He’s only won twice in 21 starts but he’s had seven seconds and a third.

“He’s not without some hope as he was very good when he won a barrier trial at Doomben last Tuesday.”