Jim Crowley: “He loves Goodwood, the drying ground will be in his favour”

He’s in great order, he’s a horse I really like, and I’d say he thoroughly deserves to be a warm favourite against this small field.

The going and track holds no fears so I hope he can justify that position.

Goodwood 14:45 – Montatham

Montatham has had a really good season so far, reversing his Royal Hunt Cup run with Dark Vision at Sandown last time, and that one has since won a Listed contest at Pontefract, so a nice boost to the form.

This is obviously a competitive big field handicap. We are creeping up in the weights and we’ve been drawn a bit wider than I’d have liked, so we’ll need a bit of luck in running.

If he can cope with the rise in the weights, he’s got a good chance, albeit in a tough race.

Goodwood 15:15 – Battaash

One of my star rides of the week. What a legend Battaash has been for us, winning this race for the last three years.

He has been guilty of throwing the odd bad race in over the years, but I really think he’s grown up now, and hopefully those days are behind him.

As I say he loves Goodwood. The drying ground will be in his favour and this doesn’t look the strongest renewal of this Group 2.

It was great to finally get that Royal Ascot win on the board in the King’s Stand. Based on that, I think it’s safe to say he’s as good as ever and he is well clear on the ratings here.

I suppose we might get a lead from Ornate, even for a furlong would be great, but if not it’s less of an issue these days. I can do a bit more with him rather than him making all the decisions.

This horse’s biggest attribute is his mid-race speed. He has such pace he can put the race to bed in an instant.

Fast ground, downhill, all the conditions are in place for a huge run from him. We saw Stradivarius win his fourth Goodwood Cup this week and I’m looking forward to my fellow having the chance to do the same in this race.

Goodwood 15:45 – Desert Encounter

Desert Encounter won this race last year and looks to be coming into form at just the right time, running a good third at Newmarket last time.

He has to be held up until the last minute, so if you’ve backed him you might be biting your fingernails at some point, as I’ll be dropping him in stone cold last and looking to produce him as late as possible.

Jim.