'She's my best chance of the day' - Tom Marquand excited for Lennox favourite

Goodwood has been a happy hunting ground for Tom Marquand and the jockey is looking forward to partnering short-priced favourite Sacred in the Group 2 Lennox Stakes (3.00) on the opening day of its big meeting.

Marquand, who partnered his first winner at Glorious Goodwood in 2019, rode a Group 3 double the following season when second to Ryan Moore in the race to be crowned the week's leading jockey, but has yet to win a Group 1 at the track.

Sacred is 5-2 generally to provide the jockey with another Group success in the Lennox, in which she will line up against ten rivals, including Kinross and Criterion winner Pogo.

"She's my best chance of the day," said Marquand. "Hopefully the ground is nice and quick. She's stepping back up to seven furlongs and it's Goodwood, so she'll also need plenty of luck in running. She's obviously top class but she should take all the beating."

For the first time at Glorious Goodwood, a false rail will be in place to create a cutaway two furlongs from the finish on the opening two days of the meeting, which should alleviate trouble in running.

"That's definitely on our minds," added Marquand. "When there's no cutaway, you have to hunt for every split that comes your way. You might not use it but it opens up the race a bit. It doesn't guarantee space or a run but it can help to make life a bit less complicated."

Sacred: was a close fifth in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes last time outCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

In addition to Sacred, Marquand will partner Dandy Man Shines in the Group 2 Japan Racing Association Vintage Stakes (2.25) and outsider Nate The Great in the feature Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup (3.35). The six-year-old finished third in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown in May.

It promises to be a busy week for the jockey, who partners favourite Sea Speedwell in the 1m2f fillies' handicap (4.10) on Wednesday and is set to ride Sea La Rosa in the Group 2 Lillie Langtry Stakes (2.45) on Saturday.

"As soon as you pass one big festival, you're looking forward to the next one," said Marquand. "I've had plenty of luck down here so hopefully we get the right run with a few of them again this time."

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