Tom Marquand aims to replicate his Breeders' Cup success at Del Mar, riding an impressive lineup that includes Big Evs and Porta Fortuna, as he seeks to add to his international racing achievements.
After his victory at Santa Anita last year, Tom Marquand is keen to repeat his Breeders' Cup triumph with a strong set of rides at Del Mar. His win last year was with Mick Appleby's Big Evs in the Juvenile Turf Sprint, and Marquand will again team up with this fast son of Blue Point in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.
Alongside Big Evs, Marquand will ride Appleby’s Big Mojo, with aspirations to emulate Big Evs' winning performance in the Juvenile Turf Sprint. Additionally, he will pilot Hugo Palmer’s Tattersalls Stakes winner, The Waco Kid, in the Juvenile Turf on Friday.
However, Marquand’s standout ride might be Porta Fortuna in the Breeders' Cup Mile. This talented filly, trained by Donnacha O’Brien, has formed a strong partnership with Marquand, with notable victories in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and a Group One win in Leopardstown's Matron Stakes last month. After narrowly missing a win at Santa Anita as a two-year-old, Marquand is eager to finish Porta Fortuna's season on a high note. “She performed beautifully at Santa Anita last year and has been flawless since then, so it will be great to be back aboard her,” Marquand commented.
The Breeders' Cup offers a distinct challenge, requiring a mix of speed and strategy, especially in the juvenile sprint races. Marquand considers himself lucky to have a powerful contender like Big Evs in his lineup this year.
Marquand, a veteran competitor on the international scene due to his experiences in Australia, is eager to build on his Breeders' Cup success following his first win last year. He and his wife, Hollie Doyle, also intend to travel to Japan later this year for another racing engagement.
As the season concludes with this esteemed championship, Marquand anticipates the challenges ahead. “The Breeders' Cup is challenging racing, but it's also incredibly thrilling, with a lengthy build-up that makes it special,” he remarked. “I love traveling and adapting to new environments. I’ve been fortunate to achieve significant wins in various locations, and I’ll keep striving to achieve more.”
