Hawkesbury preview: Invade And Conquer is finally living up to his name and he is ready to dominate again

The ability has always been there but Invade And Conquer delivered it at the races with a big win last start and can go back-to-back when he heads to Hawkesbury.

Invade And Conquer can make it back-to-back wins when he heads to Hawkesbury. Picture: Bradley Photos

Invade And Conquer had always shown plenty of ability at home but hadn’t quite delivered on raceday – until last start.

The Robert and Luke Price-trained gelding had recorded one win in his first 15 starts with a further 10 minor placings.

Given the opportunity to roll along in front at Kembla last start, Invade And Conquer lived up to his name with a near four length win.

“He has really taken confidence out of that win,” said Luke Price.

“You can tell in his work and his demeanour here at home that he has gone ahead. I’m really happy with him.

“He just loves to bowl along freely.”

Invade and Conquer for #Invader gets it done for a break through win! 💥

Leading from start to finish, he made it look easy! 🐎💨

Invader stands for $8,800 inc gst#Invader#AquisStallionspic.twitter.com/0Kybn7Xkbl

— Aquis Stallions (@AquisFarm) September 14, 2024

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The son of Invader was an acceptor on two races but the Prices’ have elected to go to the Benchmark 68 Handicap (1400m) with Keagan Latham continuing his association with the gelding.

Although drawn out, Price sees it as an advantage for the four-year-old.

“There is a little bit of speed in this race but I don’t mind the wide draw. I think he can use that to his advantage,” he said.

“He has a high cruising speed and we can show our intent and keep rolling forward.

“I think he will be very hard to beat.”

Stablemate Fugitiva is in the same race but Price isn’t committed to running the mare.

“I would prefer for them not to clash and she has also drawn a tricky gate,” he said.

“We might save her for next week’s meeting at Hawkesbury but we will make a final decision on race morning once we see scratchings.”

The daughter of Supido has contested Qualifiers of the Provincial-Midway Championships at her last three starts but luck just hasn’t been on her side.

Despite that, she was just behind the placegetters when fifth in her last two starts behind Mahogany Girl and Imposant.

“In two of her runs, she was three-deep uncovered and that’s just not her go,” he said.

“She drew a good gate last start and the fence was off and it was very on speed.

Gandalf flies down the outside for an impressive win on debut! 🔥@BWiddupRacingpic.twitter.com/RHfHPigTtZ

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 18, 2025

“I thought she was great under the circumstances and is ready to get back to winning form.”

Noble Ruby has been good in finishing third in both runs this preparation, especially her latest effort behind Gandalf on March 18 after suffering interference soon after the start.

“She got a decent bump and was very lucky the cutaway (rail) was there because she actually got pushed inside the track and came back out,” Price said.

“She should have finished closer.”

The three-year-old has drawn barrier 1 again in the Super Maiden (1100m).

“This looks a nice race for her and we will use her speed and the draw to full advantage,” he said.

Their final entrant for the meeting is Devine Outcast in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m) where she is the fifth emergency.

There was an early scratching and Price expects a few more which will get her a start.

The daughter of pariah was disappointing when last behind Enter The Dragon at Kembla last start but price said there was a reason for that and expects her to return to form.

“She was disappointing last start but we just put that down to her hormones,” he said.

“I’m hoping she gets a run but I think she can bounce back. Her first-up run was a ripper.”

The Prices also have Island Dec in the Group 3 PJ Bell Stakes at Randwick.

“I think she may have chocked down in the Surround last start. She just went a bit keen,” he said.

“She has a good draw and there should be a good tempo. I expect her to run really well.”