Marquand "absolutely buzzing" to ride Addeybb in Brigadier Gerard at Sandown
- Tom Reed
- 24 May 2022
Jockey Tom Marquand thinks the world of William Haggas' Addeybb and will renew the partnership in the Coral Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown on Thursday, May 26.
Jockey Tom Marquand loves riding Addeybb and is "absolutely buzzing" to steer William Haggas' charge in the Coral Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown on Thursday, May 26.
Globetrotter Marquand and the eight-year-old Pivotal gelding have been thick as thieves, with the pair taking Group 1s in Australia as well as the Champion Stakes at Ascot in 2020.
Addeybb has recovered from a blood clot to make a reappearance after seven months off in the one mile, two furlong Group 3 at Sandown.
“He looks fantastic and I’m absolutely buzzing to get back on him,” Marquand told Sky Sports Racing.
“He’s an absolute star and you couldn’t find a better ride. It’s great to have him back and wonderful to see him in one piece and happy.
“Hopefully he comes back on the track and shows what he can do and shows what he’s shown in the past.”
Addeybb rarelly shows much on the Warren Hill gallops so it will be somewhat a test of faith to see if he retains all his own ability with the years ticking by.
He added: “It was a tough time at the end of last year when at one point it looked like we were going to lose him. Just to have him back is the important thing and whatever he does now, he doesn’t owe anyone anything. I think we can just enjoy him now.
“I think this will certainly decide what he’s going to do at (Royal) Ascot, but because he doesn’t overdo himself at home we don’t really know quite what form he’s in.
“He looks great and is showing all the right indications, but until he gets on track we won’t really know.
“Thursday is going to be an interesting day and I’m just looking forward to getting back on board him.”
Meanwhile, John and Thady Gosden’s Mostahdaf will likely go off as favourite after last month’s course-and-distance victory in the Gordon Richards Stakes.
Sir Michael Stoute’s Bay Bridge is currently a general second favourite and is chasing the five timer. Godolphin trainer Saeed Bin Suroor saddles two of the six runners, sending Dubai Future and Passion And Glory.
