Conquering Hero Scores Easy Win in Orange County ‘Cap at Los Alamitos

Conquering Hero won the first $100,000-added thoroughbred race in the history of the Orange County Racing Fair Saturday night when he posted a convincing victory in the $104,200 Orange County Handicap at Los Alamitos before a crowd of 11,893 on the final night of the meeting.

Conquering Hero, ridden by Martin Pedroza, broke the track record for 1 1/8 miles, established by King Go Go in winning the 1979 version of the Orange County Handicap by taking the 1988 edition in 1:46 3/5.

Conquering Hero trailed early leader Distant Pal for most of the running, but took the lead entering the stretch and drew away to post the win. Distant Pal finished second, 2 3/4 lengths behind the winner.

Favorite Honor Medal, carrying the high weight of 123 pounds, finished third and was never a threat to the top pair. He’s A Saros was fourth.

Conquering Hero paid $21.20, $11.20 and $5.20. Distant Pal returned $9.20 and $4.00, while Honor Medal paid $2.60.