Conquest Enforcer closes 2016 with first Graded win

Conquest Enforcer’s wire to wire victory in Sunday’s $200,000 Mathis Brothers Mile (G2) at Santa Anita was the first graded stakes win for the 3-year-old son of Into Mischief.

Making his first start for new connections following his sale for $785,000 at recent Keeneland November Sale, Conquest Enforcer set all the fractions in the Santa Anita turf contest. The bay colt was hounded by Blackout (FR) for six furlongs, who began to fade entering the stretch. Conquest Enforcer stayed strong in the lane, opening up to hold off Mittersill (IRE) by 1 1/4-lengths in 1:33.64 on the “good” turf.

“I am very happy,” said winning trainer Phil D’Amato. “He’s settled into our program really nicely and I think the sky is the limit with this horse. [Jockey Flavien] Prat is a great fit for him.

Conquest Enforcer’s stellar 5-0-2 in eight starts includes four stakes wins in addition to Sunday’s score. He has now banked $360,640 after Sunday’s $120,000 payday for new owner Loooch Racing Stables, Imaginary Stables and Raquel Ritchie.

Into Mischief, currently the nation’s leading sire of 2-year-olds

Pedigree notes from the TDN:

Conquest Enforcer is a half to undefeated MSW Conquest Vivi (Court Vision), who sold for $480,000 to Adena Springs at Keeneland November, as well as MSP Keen Gizmo (Giant Gizmo). Keen Victory is also responsible for the yearling filly Keen’s Success (Successful Appeal) and a weanling colt by First Samurai. This is the same female family that produced GI Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. winner Poseidon’s Warrior.