31 Jan 2022Marchand added serious momentum to his G1 New Zealand Derby preparation with a tenacious display to down his age group rivals at Ellerslie.
Our homebred son of Burgundy is prepared by Lance Noble and his latest victory over 1600 metres now has him on the fourth line of betting at $16 for the March 5 classic.
Marchand bounced out well for rider Leith Innes, who had him travelling easily in second spot before they edged closer to eyeball the leader at the top of the straight and was gallant in the closing 400 metres.
“The beauty about him is that he jumps and relaxes and only does what he has to, for a staying horse they are great attributes to have,” Noble said.
“He’ll run in the Avondale Guineas and then the Derby. He’s a clean-winded horse and doesn’t need a lot of racing.
“We have been patient with him as he was a little bit weak and immature earlier on and he’s kept developing as the season has gone on and he will continue to do so. Progressive is the right word for him.”
Marchand has now won two of his six starts and also overcame a tardy start and the loss of a plate to finish third in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes on Boxing Day.
“He dwelt at the start and pulled a shoe off and got back to last over 1400 metres and his sectionals were terrific,” Noble said.
Marchand is a son of the top class Encosta De Lago mare Lashed, who was a three-time Group 1 winner. Now 22 years old she has been pensioned from breeding and is enjoying retirement.