Jockey and Coral ambassador Jim Crowley discusses his fancies for the Oaks and the Coronation Cup.
I’m obviously disappointed not to be riding at Epsom on Friday for what is one of the big days in the racing calendar, but there’s no point just being there to make up the numbers, so I’m heading to Chepstow where I have three rides who all hold some sort of a chance.
It’s a real shame to miss the ride on Revich, but I’m looking forward to seeing how he gets on in the handicap at 2.35. I won on him in really good fashion at Chester last time over the extended 7f, but I expect the extra bit of distance will suit him even better here.
He has course form, as he’s won round Epsom before, and although the 6lb rise in the weights will make life tougher, I think he goes there with an outstanding chance if I’m honest.
The Coronation Cup at 3.10 looks a really tight little race, with not much separating any of the runners on ratings. I thought Westover put in a huge performance at Meydan last time when second behind Equinox in the Dubai Sheema Classic and I do think he’s the best horse in the race. He can be a bit keen at times, but I think this test will suit him and I expect him to go very close indeed.
Emily Upjohn was extremely unlucky on this card last year when finishing second in the Oaks and I’d say she’ll be the biggest danger to Westover on her best form. It won’t be easy on her seasonal reappearance, but she’s gone well fresh before, so I don’t see her being too far away.
Hurricane Lane managed to get his head back in front at Newmarket last time, but he hadn’t been showing an awful lot prior to that and I felt I probably could have caught Point Lonsdale at Chester last time aboard Mujtaba, so I do expect this will be between Westover and Emily Upjohn.
You couldn’t help but be impressed with Savethelastdance at Chester last time, and although the strength of the race can be questioned, she was visually very impressive, and sometimes you just have to believe what your eyes are seeing. The ground could be very different at Epsom, but she looks like the filly who could be the real star in the race and I think she’s the one they’ll have to beat.
The Musidora at York is probably the best trial for this race, so you’d have to respect what Soul Sister did there last time. I don’t think many had her on their mind for the Oaks as she was sent off at 18/1 at York, but she was extremely impressive that day, and I think she’s capable of putting it up to the favourite.
John Gosden’s other filly, Running Lion, seems to be improving also, but although you’d have to respect her, the vibes are suggesting Soul Sister is the pick of them from the yard. I am torn between the top two in the market, but if I had to choose I’d probably go with Aidan’s filly just based on how impressive she was at Chester.
