Crowley calls it: “It will be a dream if Elarqam can win the Guineas”

I’ll approach it just as I do all races. I’ve studied the form and looked at the opposition and had a think about how to ride the race.

I have a Plan A, a Plan B and a Plan C to cover various scenarios.  Hopefully everything will go to plan.

It would be very special to win my first Classic in the 2000 Guineas, and especially on this exciting horse.

4.10 – Yafta

He’s in great order. I sat on him the other morning at Richard Hannon’s. It’s his first run back but he is fit and he’s well.

He was very progressive at the back end of last season running second twice and then winning his last two starts. He’s a lovely big horse and I think he will run really well.

4.45 – Petrus

He’s got decent form. It’s the first time I’ve sat on him. It’s a tidy race with some decent horses in there. I know Brian Meehan thinks quite a lot of this horse.

His horses are running really well. I rode a big price winner for Brian Meehan at Newbury two weeks ago.

He was fourth in the Autumn Stakes so he already has Group race form. He can hopefully go well.

Sunday – Newmarket

1.50 – Reshoun

He finished up last year winning the November Handicap. He’s a smashing horse and likes a bit of cut in the ground. He will go on good ground but likes it a bit softer.

I think he’ll have a reasonable chance. He’s owned by a good friend Michael Watt and I’m really looking forward to riding him again.

2.55 – Ekhtiyaar

I really like this horse’s chance. He ran a good race first time out when 5^th during the Craven meeting and he will have improved a good deal for it.

He’s a big strong horse and I’d like to think he can make up into a Group horse. Hopefully this is just a stepping stone to that.

Tactically he’s very straightforward. He just likes to be handy with a bit of cover.

The ground should be absolutely perfect for him. It’s a good quality handicap but if my horse is as good as we think he is then he should be up to winning this.

3.35 – Vitamin

This is a cracking ride to pick up in a Classic. She’s by Camelot who’s doing very well as a sire. She’s only had the two starts and beat Soliloquy on the second, but hasn’t been since.

Soliloquy has obviously gone on to win the Nell Gwyn a couple of weeks ago and is second favourite for the race and my filly is 33/1.

Her trainer Richard Hannon wouldn’t be running her in this race unless he thought she was ready for it. It’s a very open Guineas and she could be a surprise package.

I don’t think it’s the strongest Guineas if I’m honest. I think Richard’s other filly Anna Nerium could run a big race too.  

4.10 – Fanaar

I haven’t sat on him but the word on the street is that he’s going very well. So I’m really looking forward to riding him. He is well thought of and whatever he does here he is going to be a nice horse for the season and is worth following.

5.20 – Kitaabaat

I like this horse a lot. He has been working nicely at home. He won on his last start last season and Owen Burrows is in good form.

He had a nice winner at the Craven meeting with a three year old so he will have a line on how the three year olds are.

Kitaabat beat Sevenna Star, a very nice horse of John Gosden’s  and his form is all working out well. I’m very hopeful of a good run.

Jim