Crowley calls it: “I’m hoping Elarqam can bounce back from the Guineas.”
Published:
Champion jockey is at York and Pontefract this weekend
Saturday – York
He ran very well last time in a Group Three. I did not ride him that as I was on board Yafta but his connections were very happy.
He won the Ripon two year old trophy last year. He is back in handicap company this time and he could have a really good chance.
I would be a little concerned if the rain does arrive at York as he likes top of the ground. If it Good and no worse than Good, I expect him to go close.
I was disappointed with his run in the Irish 2000 Guineas so hopefully he can bounce back from that.
He is stepping up to 1m2f which we always thought was his favoured trip. We were trying to turn him into a Classic winner that is why we were running him at the shorter distance.
He is the highest rated horse in the race and will be receiving weight from the older horses. He has won on slower ground at Newmarket at the back end of the year. York has been forecast a lot of rain and I hope it stays away to be honest.
I have ridden a couple of his rivals in the race. Smart Call is a high class filly, while Thundering Blue is going to be a surprise package in the race.
He has an official rating of 102 but he is probably a lot better than and can serve it up to us. My horse should have plenty of improvement though so I am very confident.
She won recently at Nottingham, however, I have not ridden her yet this season. She is in good order so will go there with a really good chance.
The handicapper has put her up five pounds for her recent success, however, hopefully there is further improvement in her.
Sunday – Pontefract
3.35 – Gabr
He has a great chance as he has been campaigned at the highest level.
He ran respectable in the St James’s Palace Stakes and he was only beaten a length behind Without Parole in the Heron Stakes at Sandown. He is going to be a strong favourite and I’d like to think he will win.
I don’t know much about these two horses but I have picked up the spare rides so hopefully they can give me a good run at the very least.
Jim
