Head On The March To July Glory

Freddie Head believes recent Longchamp scorer Marchand D'Or has a big chance in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket next Friday.

The former top-class jockey won the prestigious race aboard Anabaa back in 1996 and now feels he has every chance of saddling the winner as a trainer.

'I think he'll do well next Friday and he likes a bit of cut in the ground,' Head explained.

'Anabaa was of course a real champion sprinter, whereas Marchand D'Or is a bit different. But I think he'll be a very good horse still.'

While Marchand D'Or was last successful over seven furlongs, Head thinks he has more than enough toe to live with his rivals over the shorter trip.

'We were thinking of running him over a mile, but now I think he's more of a sprinter,' he told At The Races.

'He's a puller, but he's got a tremendous turn of foot and if you can get a good position on him and relax him, he is a horse that will be finishing fast.

'I think he has a first-class chance and I'm very keen. I think he will run very well ? I don't know if he'll win, but he'll take a lot of beating.'

Marchand D'Or is available at 25-1 for next week's Group One highlight on the July course.

(C) PA Sport