Darley sire Commands has unearthed a live chance for the G1 South African Derby on April 24 after Conquered Dream won the Listed Derby Trial at Turffontein on Sunday.

Conquered Dream (Aus) is trained by Charles Laird for his major client Marcus Jooste and the gelding’s victory gives connections another option for the South African classic after the withdrawal of star stablemate Curved Ball (Fastnet Rock).

Conquered Dream (3g Commands – Conquered by Star Watch) completed a winning hat-trick on Sunday.  He went off as a 4/10 favourite and duly asserted his authority under Anton Marcus.

The Australian bred gelding has loads of potential and will get even better as he matures.  The main stumbling block to his chances for the SA Derby is Pierre Jourdan.  The champion colt has already won the first two legs in the SA Guineas and SA Classic.  The last horse to complete the South African Triple Crown was Horse Chestnut 11 years ago.

Laird bought Conquered Dream for $480,000 at the 2008 Gold Coast Magic Millions from Basil Nolan’s Raheen Stud.  He is a brother to brilliant sprinter War Of The Worlds who won the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes at Randwick.  The Rick Worthington trained galloper continued racing in Hong Kong as Royal Delight and broke the Sha Tin 1200m track record when a G3 winner of the HKJC Premier Bowl.

Their dam Conquered hails from the famous “Heights” family that has spawned numerous G1 winners including legendary NZ stayer Battle Heights.