Jim Crowley: ‘I’d be hopeful Makawee goes close to winning.’

Coral ambassador Jim Crowley previews his rides at York

Our man Jim Crowley looks ahead to his four rides at York on Saturday, including Makawee in the Race To The Ebor Grand Cup Stakes.

Jim rides Baashir in the 14:35 at York

First ride of the day is Baashir, a lightly-raced 4-year-old who’s not without a chance here. He was gelded over the winter, and has run OK in his two starts since.

He’s won on good to firm so this quick ground won’t be a problem, and with a little bit more improvement, I can see him running a nice race.

Jim rides Makawee in the 15:05 at York

Only four runners for this Listed prize, and I’ve picked up a lovely spare in Makawee, for trainer David O’Meara, definitely a man to have on your side at York.

This filly is a course winner, and ran a nice race to finish third here last time. Although she only faces three rivals, it’s a competitive looking race, but getting weight from the others, I’d be hopeful she goes close to winning.

Jim rides Jadwal in the 15:40 at York

There’s a much bigger field for this six furlong handicap, and my mount Jadwal has been a little bit unlucky this season, finishing second on all three starts and going up in the handicap as a result.

I rode him on the first of those starts, we were beaten by a nice horse [Dragon Symbol] that day so I think that was a very decent run. He’s rated 88 now, but he’s another with winning form on good to firm going, and in a very open race, I think he’s capable of winning a race like this despite his rise in the weights.