Conqueror Beaten, But Still Impressive

Tara Madgwick - Saturday August 6

The Benchmark 72 event over 1400m at Randwick on Saturday for three and four year-olds featured a short priced favourite in promising Churchill (IRE) colt Conqueror, who lost few admirers with his strong finishing second to another horse primed for a good campaign in Arnaqueur.

Arnaqueur wins at Randwick and will take confidence from the victory - image Steve Hart

Trained by Jean Dubois, Arnaqueur was competitive in stakes races last season at three although struggled to win, closing out his season with a fifth in the Group III ATC Frank Packer Plate and a disappointing run at Rosehill in May.

Tuned up with a recent trial, Arnaqueur surged to the front for Tyler Schiller with a furlong to run with Conqueror charging home from last. The flashy colt in the Star Thoroughbreds colours could not quite make up the margin finishing second some two and a half lengths back, but his turn will come.

A half-brother by Astern to Group II winner Alymerton, Arnaqueur was Group III placed before today and has the potential of stakes success this spring as does the runner-up Conqueror.

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He is a homebred for Woodpark Stud and has won three of 14 starts earning in excess of $185,000.

Arnaqueur is one of three winners from blueblood import Aloona (USA), a half-sister to Group III winner Galatee, the dam of Group winners Dartmouth, Manatee and stakes-winner Gaterie.

Arnaqueur is a promising horse for Darley’s Group I Golden Rose winning sire Astern, who stands at a fee of $11,000.

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Race Result - Jockey Celebration (Bm72) 1400m

Randwick Track: Soft(6) Time: 1:25.00
1
Arnaqueur
- 4g Astern (AUS) x Aloona (USA) (Smart Strike (CAN))
Tnr: Jean Dubois Rdr: Tyler Schiller 55
2
2.3
Conqueror
- 3g Churchill (IRE) x Dixie Chick (AUS) (Star Witness (AUS))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: W Pike 53
3
4.1
I've Bean Tryin'
- 4g Spill The Beans (AUS) x Sheza Lonhro (AUS) (Lonhro (AUS))
Tnr: Matthew Kelley Rdr: Ellen Hennessy 55
4
4.4
Gracilistyla
- 4g Medaglia D'Oro (USA) x Catkins (AUS) (Dubawi (IRE))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: Reece Jones 58
5
6.4
Famous Pedrille
- 4g Territories (IRE) x M'lady Pedrille (AUS) (Al Maher (AUS))
Tnr: R J Quinton Rdr: A Adkins 56.5
6
6.8
Cacofonix
- 4g Dundeel (NZ) x Lodore Falls (AUS) (Redoute's Choice (AUS))
Tnr: K A Lees Rdr: Dylan Gibbons 57
7
7.0
Rivabrook
- 4m Hinchinbrook (AUS) x Lis Nediym (AUS) (General Nediym (AUS))
Tnr: C Karakatsanis Rdr: N Rawiller 56.5
8
7.2
Coodarady
- 4g Capitalist (AUS) x Noondie (AUS) (Flying Spur (AUS))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J B Mc Donald 56
9
11.7
Cotton Fingers
- 4g Snitzel (AUS) x Girl Hussler (AUS) (Hussonet (USA))
Tnr: G Ryan & S Alexiou Rdr: Tommy Berry 57.5
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