Jim Crowley: “The Ayr Gold Cup is a race I’ve always wanted to win”

I’ve picked up a nice ride in this Group 3.  Believing was second to a good horse of Godolphin’s [Mischief Magic] in the Sirenia last time, she was a big price that day and hopefully can take that form on to the turf here.

Her trainer, George Boughey, is having a great season, and while Queen Me sets a good standard on her York run, I think my filly has excellent place chances.

Ayr 3.40 – Khanjar

The Ayr Gold Cup is one of those races I’ve always wanted to win, and having not ridden in it that many times, it’s great to be on the favourite here. He has an excellent profile for a race like this, and is one of the few unexposed runners in it, and comes here off the back of a good win at Haydock.

I suppose his lack of experience in these big sprint handicaps could be a negative, is he going to be streetwise enough for this, but this is the right race for him, he gets in off a nice weight, and the ground will be fine.

We’re drawn in five, so hopefully there will be plenty of pace around us, as the slow early pace at Haydock didn’t suit him. In time I can see him staying seven furlongs, so in a strongly-run six he should be seen to good effect. We are favourite for a reason, it would be very special if he can live up to that.

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