Casual Conquest has concerns on Epsom Downs racecourse layout!
The connections of Casual Conquest, presumptive favourite at the highly-awaited Vodafone Derby at Epsom Downs racecourse, have disclosed that questions on the configuration of Epsom Downs racecourse weigh high in the factors to consider regarding his participation.
Casual Conquest's prospects will be further crystallised when the horse runs at Leopardstown tomorrow.
The participants to the highly-awaited Vodafone Derby have not been confirmed and the list might not yet be known until Saturday, or just 11 days before the big contest at Epsom Downs racecourse.
The unbeaten Casual Conquest, trained by Dermot Weld, shot to the forefront of possibilities for the Epsom Downs racecourse extravaganza after winning Ireland 's most reliable pointer, the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial in early May. He was not, however, entered for the premier Classic, either as a yearling or at the second stage in April, and will need to be supplemented at a cost of £75,000 on Monday.
One of the doubts niggling Casual Conquest's connections is the challenging configuration of the Derby track. "He's a big horse," added Cosgrove, "and relatively inexperienced and we're just a little bit afraid of him coming down the hill. If there are 17 or 18 runners at Epsom he could be in trouble and that's what we're worried about."
Casual Conquest is on top of the betting odds for the Vodafone Derby. He is ahead of Curtain Call and dual Guineas winner Henrythenavigator, another yet to be confirmed runner.
At the extreme end of the betting list is 500-1 shot Maidstone Mixture who was given the green light yesterday.
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