Marquand hits 150 for the year with Listed win on Sea La Rosa
Tom Marquand brought up 150 winners in a year for the first time with a dominant victory in the Listed Coral EBF River Eden Fillies' Stakes on Sea La Rosa.
The William Haggas-trained filly relished her first go on the Polytrack surface and the step up to 1m5f to register a four-and-a-half-length success to continue her smart progress out of handicap company.
Marquand, who has added another two Group 1s and over £3 million in prize-money to his portfolio during a stellar year, said of Sea La Rosa: “She was able to gain three lengths for free because of how well she handled the track. She surprised me a bit when I kicked on and she started flying three or four clear. It was a terrific performance.
"It’s been a great year and being in Australia knocks out three months before it even begins, so to hit 150 is nice and has surprised me a little bit," added Marquand, who may be on his travels again before the end of the year to ride Champion Stakes runner-up Dubai Honour in the Hong Kong Cup.
Maamora bows out on a high
Indie Angel won the Fleur De Lys Fillies' Stakes last year before progressing to Group 2 glory at Royal Ascot, but this year’s winner Maamora will not be repeating that feat as she was immediately retired after striking in the Listed contest for Simon and Ed Crisford.
The five-year-old mare won the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes on her first start for the Crisfords in August 2020, but hadn’t entered the winner’s enclosure since.
After finishing runner-up on her last two starts, both at Listed level, the well-backed 2-1 favourite made it third time lucky under James Doyle.
“That’s her done now – she’s off to the paddocks,” said Ed Crisford. “She’s been really consistent her last few runs, she just took a while to come to herself early on.
"She’s a Group 3 and Listed winner and has been a lovely filly round the yard. I’m sure she’ll make a lovely broodmare."
Wonder is a star
Wonder Starelzaam’s 18-1 victory in the closing apprentice handicap may have been a shock to some but not to trainer Denis Coakley, who had been expecting a big run from the three-year-old on his debut for the yard.
“I wasn’t surprised by that, he’d been working very well at home so we were hopeful," said Coakley of Wonder Starelzaam, who had been well beaten in all six of his previous starts in Ireland.
“Once he relaxed we knew he would run well. We’ll look to get him out again as soon as we can and run him on the all-weather during the winter.”
Rocking Roger
Roger Charlton continued his hot recent form when Honky Tonk Man became his fifth winner from his last 11 runners at odds of 10-1 in the 7f novice under Trevor Whelan.
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Published on 28 October 2021inReports
Last updated 17:45, 28 October 2021
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