Mighty run required to become Cup conqueror

REIGNING champion Mighty Conqueror will have to live to his name if he is to successfully defend his title.

Winner of the Western Australia Cup in January, Mighty Conqueror is poised to contest the Grand Circuit event at Gloucester Park on Friday night.

To claim victory the son of American Ideal will have to topple a strong field headed by rampaging star Chicago Bull.

Sent for a long spell following his Group One success, Mighty Conqueror has had four starts this campaign which has the gelding at peak fitness according to co-trainer Greg Bond.

Mighty Conqueror is one of four runners Bond and his co-trainer wife Skye have in the 2936-metre feature.

“We had trouble with him suffering separation in the hoof after the Cup last January,” Bond said. “It takes time to grow back down, so we gave him plenty of time off.

“He’s put in some handy runs since this time in, but had no luck last start when unplaced after being severely checked in the Fremantle Cup.

“He’s in top shape and will run another competitive race.”

Mighty Conqueror’s bid to retain the crown has been aided by the draw, with the five-year-old to begin from barrier two.

Chicago Bull will come from gate seven.

“Chicago Bull has had the measure of the free-for-allers over here for the last six months and it will take something special to beat him again,” Bond said.

“Mighty Conqueror has a good draw which we plan to make the most of, but whether that is enough we’ll have to wait and see.”

Although drawn two along the second row, Galactic Star shapes as the stable’s best prospect according to Bond.

Galactic Star finished second from a similar draw in last week’s Fremantle Cup.

“Galactic Star is our top seed,” Bond said. “Hopefully he will get a good passage through at the start and be in a handy position early.”