Marquand hopes that Economics will once again show its ‘class’ on geegeez.co.uk

Major race jockey Tom Marquand relies on Economy and shows the class he showed last time in Ireland when he lined up for the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

He is on course to face Calandagan, who gave City Of Troy a big scare at the Juddmonte International in York after 17 horses held out during Monday’s confirmation stage.

The William Haggas-trained Economics was the breakout star of the season, winning all four of his races and confirming he was a real standout when he won the Irish Champion Stakes from Auguste Rodin.

Marquand is the lucky one at the top and is also looking forward to his second victory in the race.

He said: ‘I had another economics a few weeks ago and he felt fantastic. He will be dealing with slower terrain than in Ireland, but we hope he is versatile in that respect and will be just as effective.

“Winning the Irish Champion Stakes on him was a huge thrill. He has had to fight for it, but he has shown how good he is and we hope he will show that class again and win the Ascot version.

“I was lucky enough to win it previously at Addeybb, and although it wasn’t quite my first English Group 1, it’s a big day and a big race to win.”

Francis-Henri Graffard’s Calandagan rose to prominence with a six-length victory in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The gelding went on to prove he belonged in York at the highest level and the clash between the pair is eagerly anticipated.

He will still be ridden by Stephane Pasquier, even though Mickael Barzalona has signed as a regular rider for owner the Aga Khan in 2025.

“I’ll definitely be riding him at Ascot, which is good news for him and good news for me. I rode it at work last week and it did very well. He is a fantastic horse and he is in good shape. When I rode it last week it was perfect,” said Pasquier.

“It’s a strong race but Calandagan did something special at Ascot and again at York. He has very good foot movement and it would take something very special to beat him. It will take City of Troy to beat him!”

Adding to the depth are artists such as Anmaat, Al Riffa, Continuous, Los Angeles and King’s Gambit.

Other recent posts from this author: