Command'n'Conquer Faces Tough Competition at the Gold Coast

Thursday, 14 May 2020

Facts and figures strongly indicate favourite Command‘n’Conquer faces a big task to win the Gold Coast Guineas on Saturday.

That’s not to say he can’t win. It simply is a recognition of the disadvantage the lightly raced Command’n’Conquer has to overcome.

Under the set weight conditions of the Group 3 Guineas colts and gelding carry 57kg and fillies 55kg.

Thus Command’n’Conquer has to carry the same weight as The Odysssey and has to concede two kilos to the filly Exhilarates.

Their respective ratings, based on performances to date, are Exhilarates(96), The Odyssey (93) and Command’n’Conquer (74.5).

Last year’s Magic Millions Classic winner Exhilarates has won four races from 13 starts and $1.78 million in prizemoney; The Odyssey has won eight races from 17 starts and $981,950; Command’n’Conquer has won three of his four starts and $119,800.

“If was a straight handicap Command’n’Conquer would be getting 9.5kg from The Odyssey and 9kg from  Exhilarates,’’ Racing Queensland chief handicapper Nathan Burke said.

“More realistically for a Group 3 handicap event he would be getting probably six kilos from The Odyssey and 5.5kg from Exhilarates after her two kilo filly allowance.

“That said Command’n’Conquer is a very promising horse. He was very good although beaten last start when he clearly wasn’t suited by the 900 metres distance.’’

Command’n’Conquer is the early TAB favorite at 3.90 with Exhilarates at $6.50 and The Odyssey at $7.50.

 It should be a fascinating race given the handicap comparisons.