PartialLogo
News

No English King, no problem: Tom Marquand keen on Derby ride Khalifa Sat

Tom Marquand: snared an unlikely 66-1 success at Kempton
Tom Marquand: will ride in the Derby for the first time this seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker

Tom Marquand may have lost the ride on Investec Derby favourite English King but the in-form rider has not given up hope of playing more than just a supporting role at Epsom having picked up the ride on Khalifa Sat, as short as 16-1 for Saturday's Classic.

Marquand impressed on the Ahmad Al Shaikh-owned son of Free Eagle when landing the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood and, with Frankie Dettori taking over on English King, trainer Andrew Balding has wasted no time securing the rider to renew his association with Khalifa Sat at Epsom.

"I think he holds attributes that are pretty strong factors in whether you run well or not at Epsom," said Marquand when assessing his partner's chance.

"He showed at Goodwood he handles a tricky track, he's shown he's capable of winning, has a great attitude and he's pretty versatile with the ground."

CHICHESTER, ENGLAND - JUNE 14: Khalifa Sat ridden by Tom Marquand hold off the challenge of the favourite, Emissary ridden by James Doyle to win the Coral/British EBF Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood Racecourse on June 14, 2020 in Chichester, England. Photo
Khalifa Sat will once again face Emissary (pink cap) at EpsomCredit: George Selwyn/Pool via Getty Images

The rider had been set to partner 5-2 favourite English King, having guided the Ed Walker-trained colt to a bloodless success in the Lingfield Derby Trial, but connections have instead turned to two-time Derby winner Dettori.

Despite that setback, Marquand is relishing the chance to ride in the Derby for the first time, where Khalifa Sat will once again face Emissary, the horse he beat at Goodwood and who has also been handed the green light for Epsom.

The rider added: "Khalifa Sat is clearly a nice horse and was fending off the runner-up, who was well fancied at Goodwood, all the way to the line, so we know he stays as well.

"It's great to have a ride in the race and a decent ride at that."

Investec Derby betting

bet365 5-2 English King, 7-2 Kameko, 7 Russian Emperor, 9 Vatican City, 10 Mogul, 16 Al Aasy, First Receiver, Highland Chief, Pyledriver, Santiago, 20 bar


Read more:

Palmer to saddle first Investec Derby runner after colt excels in key warm-up

Unbeaten colt Highest Ground to miss Derby in favour of the Dante

Ballydoyle battalion: horse-by-horse guide to Aidan O'Brien's Derby contenders

Leading fancy Military March ruled out of Derby after setback

'It's all systems go' – Dettori delighted after riding English King in key work

Derby worth £500,000 as Jockey Club dips into its funds to salvage major prizes


For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets


Published on 28 June 2020inNews

Last updated 16:34, 28 June 2020

iconCopy