Crowley Calls It: “I am sure she will give a good account of herself”

This was a tough decision to ride Thikriyaat as Ibn Malik is also in the race and I had the option of riding either of them. Ibn Malik runs very well fresh so it would be no surprise to see him run well. I decided to opt for Thikriyaat because on his last run it looked like he was coming back to form. It is worth bearing in mind he would not want it too soft but at the moment the track is drying out.

3.50 Newmarket  – Tadleel

He ran in a nice maiden at Newbury on his opening start. I haven’t ridden this horse yet but it was a good race. Ed Dunlop’s horses normally improve from their opening run. It is hard to know what to make of this race as all the other horses are making their debut. It looks like there are some nice pedigrees in the race but hopefully my horse can progress.

4.55 Newmarket – Staff College

I don’t know much about this horse but the Queen’s runner Swiftsure will be the one to beat here. We’ll obviously give it our best shot and hope we can be in the frame.

5.30 Newmarket – Shaaqaaf

This a nice filly which is actually owned by Sheikh Hamdan’s daughter. She won well at Goodwood last time but this is a tougher task for her. I am sure she will give a good account of herself though.

Sunday

4.20 Curragh – Smart Call

This is a nice ride to pick up in the Pretty Polly Stakes. She ran well at Ascot in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes where she finished fourth over a mile. That was a bit short for her so she is back up in trip here. The trip and track are right for her, it is just a case of whether she is up to this level and I think she is.

Jim