Tom Marquand comes back on Addeybb after winning his first group 1 in the Ranvet StakesCredit: Getty
Marquand was selected by Godolphin trainer James Cummings to partner his VRC Oaks winner this autumn after James McDonald selected Orchestral, the New Zealand Derby winner, as his ride for Saturday’s Vinery Stud Stakes a couple of months ago.
The European-bred Kingman filly might be compact but she has a big motor which will be seen to best effect at 2000m and beyond, where Marquand excels.
“Tom was just going to suit her and is a world-class jockey, particularly on stayers. He has won a classic in England [the 2020 St Leger on Galileo Chrome],” Cummings said.
“What I like about the combination is that he is very intuitive on her, which we saw in the Phar Lap Stakes win [over 1500m] and that connection is only going to grow.”
Marquand has ridden a dozen group 1 winners from Ascot to Santa Anita in the United States, even taking his skill to Ireland and Longchamp in Paris, but Australia and Australian-trained horses remain at the top of his list of ambitions.
It’s perhaps why he would prioritise Zardozi in the Vinery Stud Stakes over Haggas-trained stayer Post Impressionist, which $2.40 favourite for the day’s other group 1, the Tancred Stakes.
“You don’t get many chances for Godolphin at home because they have their contracted, retained riders, so you are generally just getting on in maidens and smaller races,” Marquand said.
“She is a good filly that has already won a top-class group 1 and it’s great to be on her in big finals day type of races.
“It’s something you dream about [to ride for Godolphin in a group 1], and it’s hard to find one like Zardozi.
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“To win a group 1 for Godolphin would be amazing, something I have dreamed of, but what I have really wanted to do since coming out here is win an Australian group 1 on Australian horse.”
Marquand’s four Australian group 1 wins have been in concert with Haggas and Post Impressionist, which came out with the goal of the Sydney Cup, will take up the challenge of a seven-day back-up in the Tancred after comprehensive victory in the Manion Cup.
“His win the other day was impressive and when you looked at [the Tancred Stakes], it was probably too good of an opportunity to give up to get him a group 1,” Marquand said.
“If he turns up in the same form as last week, he will be there punching. There is a possibility that with his form and the way he has reacted to being down here he could even turn up better.
“It’s not easy to turn around in a week and it is really unknown for us.”
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Source Agencies
