The Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes due off 2.25 at Sandown on Friday has long been the planned starting point, for the Ed Walker trained Tom Marquand ridden 4yo Almaqam, for a season that they believe could see the Lope De Vega colt end up as a Group 1 winner.
It is significant that Marquand has been quoted as saying this is one of the top 5 horses he was looking forward to riding this season , as he has only ridden the horse twice, once on his racecourse debut finishing 4th and again when well beaten in the St James Palace Stakes behind Rosallion.
His trainer Ed Walker believes the horse has massive improvement this season and given those aspirations he should take care of what is no more than standard Group 3 opponents. His last run behind Jayarebe at Longchamp is by far and away the best form on offer and a repeat will be more than god enough. The Ed Walker team have hit top form this week with 3 winners from the last 4 runners and it will be a big disappointment if this horse which is regarded as ‘the stable star’ doesn’t win on his first outing as a 4yo.
The pace forecast is weak but it looks likely that both Royal Champion and Peace Man will not allow the race to be ran at a dawdle and I expect Almaqam to be ridden close to the pace. The forecast good ground and the uphill finish is what Almaqam needs and although the William Haggas trained 8yo Al Aasy could come there swinging on the bridle he doesn’t look good enough to trouble the younger horses and leave me with egg on my face!
The price of between 3/1 – 5/2 is good enough but given it is on seasonal debut a 2pt stake is sufficient for a weekend where a number of other bets are very likely.
Further updates and Bets for Friday and Saturday to follow.
Recommended Bet 2pt won Almaqam 2.25 Sandown Friday.
Russ Diary of a Season 24/04/2025.
Chrysalis Consortium 
Leave a comment