Marquand back in business with Alenquer

Sandown strike as globetrotting rider returns from Australia.

Alenquer showed plenty of guts and determination in the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown to give Tom Marquand a nice winner on his first ride back since a successful spell in Australia.

Trained by William Haggas, the son of Alderflug had won on his debut at Newbury last season before finishing second in a Listed race at Haydock.

Rather ignored in the market as a 25-1 chance, Marquand brought his mount alongside the pace-setting Yibir a long way out, although to his credit Charlie Appleby’s charge found a second wind.

The pair were involved in a protracted battle, but just as it seemed Alenquer had seen Yibir off once and for all, his stablemate Adayar began to thrown down a challenge having made up plenty of ground.

Alenquer won by half a length, with a neck back to Yibir in third. Lone Eagle was fourth.

The winner holds an entry in the Dante at York, but is not currently in the Cazoo Derby.

Marquand said: “It’s a great feeling knowing you can come back and jump aboard a horse like this, who showed much of what you would hope to see from a Derby hope.

Alenquer was a determined winner
Alenquer was a determined winner (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

“He had form in the soft and there was a bit of juice in the ground today which helped him.

“He looks like a horse that will have no trouble getting further as he stays this stiff 10 furlongs well and was wandering about in front.

“It was nice to see a little bit of improvement from him in a race that will have tightened and sharpened him up.”

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