Jim Crowley blog: ‘He’s favourite for a good reason I hope’

We’re back with yet another exclusive Jim Crowley blog, with the Coral ambassador sharing his thoughts on his rides at Ascot on Saturday.

Mostabshir is favourite for a typically competitive Victoria Cup, and I hope that accurately reflects his chance! He’s a horse we’ve always thought plenty of, and as a result he was highly-tried last year, including a run in the Group One St James’s Palace Stakes, where he was far from disgraced behind Paddington.

He’s obviously dropped down a level to this handicap company now, but the big field, seven furlongs should suit, as I wouldn’t want to get to the front too soon, and in a race like this there should be plenty of pace for us to aim at. It’s a prestigious prize in its own right and would be a great race to win, and I do think he can go well.

Mostabshir odds: 13/2

I rode a nice winner [Jasour] for Clive Cox at Ascot’s last meeting, and it’s always a pleasure to ride one of his. In this case it’s a 2-y-o making his debut, but he’s got a lovely pedigree, as a half brother to Laneqash, a winner for Shadwell. As it’s his first run he’s sure to improve for the experience, but even so, it would be no surprise to see him go well.

Aysgarth odds

Ciara Pearl has been an absolute revelation, winning four of her six starts, and finishing second in the other two. Every time she’s upped in class she keeps improving, and I don’t think we’ve got to the bottom of her yet. 

She’s up another five pounds for her last win, but I hope that won’t be enough to stop her progressing again here.

Ciara Pearl odds