Tom Marquand is confident that Maljoom will excel when dropping back to a mile at Leopardstown on Saturday, as the jockey gears up for a major day in Ireland.
The 26-year-old will ride the favourite Economics in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes and will also be back in the saddle with Donnacha O’Brien’s Porta Fortuna in the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes, a horse he previously guided to victory at Royal Ascot.
In addition to these high-profile mounts, Marquand will also ride the William Haggas-trained Maljoom in the Tonybet Solonaway Stakes. The five-year-old, who was runner-up in the Sussex Stakes, will aim to return to form after a disappointing performance in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York, where he struggled with the extended trip and blinkers.
Despite this setback, Marquand remains optimistic about Maljoom’s chances, given his strong mile form.
Marquand commented: “Maljoom is a solid horse, but he had trouble settling at York. It was his first time with blinkers and stepping up in distance, so hopefully it will be a one-off experience. Excluding that run, he’s been impressive with a second in the Sussex and a third in the Queen Anne, showing his considerable talent. He’s dropping a grade and, with fast ground, I expect him to perform really well.”