Jim Crowley “Mijjack can outrun his odds at Doncaster”

2.25 Doncaster – Taqdeer

He hasn’t run for a very long time – 692 days. However he must be very well thought of, hence the fact that he’s stayed in training. He has some good form. On his last start when he won he beat Prize Money and some decent horses. I haven’t ridden him in work this year but I have heard that he’s been going okay. It will be interesting to see him back on the track.

3.00 Doncaster – Tabarrak

He’s a little dude this horse. I really like him. He won a Listed race at the back end of last season at Newbury. He’s tough, he’s hard, but he’s got a three pound penalty to carry for his win last year. He’ll run well. He’s against Zabeel Prince a nice horse of Roger Varian’s. On the ratings he’s a pound better off with Roger’s horse even with the penalty so hopefully we can go well.

3.35 Doncaster – Not So Sleepy

I won the Dee Stakes on this horse a few years ago. He likes soft ground and he stays a mile and a quarter, so the softer the better for him. He’s obviously going to be a big outsider but he has a bit of ability. The three market leaders are very nice horse. I rode Lord Glitters last year and I think he is potentially a Group horse but then he has got top weight. Fire Brigade is potentially a very well handicapped horse, as is Addeyyb. I’d be surprised if one of those three don’t win this to be honest. Hopefully my horse can run a nice race. He’s a big price.

2000 Guineas

The word on the street is that Elarqam has been going well. I’m looking forward to sitting on him. He’s going to go for a racecourse gallop in April somewhere before the Guineas. He’s been pleasing everyone at home and his form has worked out nicely. He’s got a lot to live up to, given his parents (Frankel – Attraction), but he was impressive last year and I can’t wait to ride him again.

The Season Ahead

I’m really glad to be back with the Turf season proper starting. All the good meetings start to come around quickly from now on. This is the time of year where a few bubbles are burst but nice horses also come through. The Craven is a meeting I love. We won the Craven last year on Eminent, so I have good memories of that. We have some lovely horses coming through this year.

I love the job riding for Sheikh Hamdan. We had a really good year last year. It was my first year in the job and I learned a lot from that. I’m now a lot more at ease in the role, I’m enjoying it, and I know the horses so much better. Last year I was riding them for the first time, whereas now I’ve got to know them all. I think we’re going to have a really good season.

Jim