Jim Crowley: ‘Al Shibli looks to be my standout ride of the day.’

Jim rides Hasanabad in the 15:50 at Chester

Finally a change of scene as I come out of stall five on Hasanabad for an old ally, Ian Williams.

A 6-year-old now, he’s been kept busy over hurdles and on the flat, but does need to improve for his last run to feature here, although trained by Ian that improvement is more than possible.

Jim rides Al Shibli in the 16:25 at Chester

One of the main reasons I’m at Chester, Al Shibli is a juvenile we think plenty of.

He was sent off favourite for his debut at Newbury but he ran very green that day, and also didn’t enjoy the soft ground, so we’ll be hoping the ground here dries out as much as possible before race time.

We’re drawn well, in stall two, and I’d be disappointed if he didn’t go very close, he looks to be my standout ride of the day.

Jim rides Khezaana in the 17:00 at Chester

Khezaana is another for Shadwell, and if we weren’t drawn in stall ten, I’d say she was another with an excellent chance, off the back of a good win at Beverley last time.

By Muhaarar, his sons and daughters are staying longer trips than his excellent sprinting career might have suggested, so Khezaana should see out this ten furlong trip well.  I think she’ll go well but the draw is the only negative.

Jim rides Heart Of Soul in the 17:35 at Chester 

My final ride is another for Ian [Williams] and Dr Koukash, an owner who loves Chester more than any other track, so I’m sure Heart Of Soul will be ready to do himself justice here.

I’ve not ridden him before but he’s a course winner, and if we can overcome yet another wide draw – nine of nine here – I’d say he has an each-way chance.

Jim

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