Jim Crowley: “Minzaal is a high-class horse, who I think we will have a very good season with”

Jim Crowley gives us the lowdown on his four rides at York on Wednesday

1.50 York – On To Victory

I’ve not ridden this horse before, but he has been running OK over hurdles recently. He ran well in a Listed race on the Flat last year, finishing second to Hukum, a horse I obviously know very well. Alan King’s horses are in good order. I am hopeful of an each-way chance, as he needs to recapture his form.

3.00 York – Minzaal

This horse ran a huge race in the British Champions Sprint Stakes on British Champions Day at Ascot last October. I thought he was a little unlucky too, as he was very slow away from the stalls. If he had broken on level terms, he could have won.

He likes York, as he won the Gimcrack there. Whatever he does in this race, he will improve. He is a high-class horse, who I think we are going to have a very good season with.

3.35 York – Ching Shih

I won the Group One Fillies and Mares on this horse’s mother, Madame Chiang, so I know the family very well. She is held in high regard at home. Everybody is obviously raving about Emily Upjohn, who is one of the fancied runners for Epsom. We will find out how good our horse is in this race, and if she too can book her ticket for the Oaks.

4.45 York – Obsidian Knight 

He has been well drawn in stall four so he should have a great chance in this race. Things didn’t work out for him last time on the all-weather at Lingfield. I am glad I am back on him. Terry Kent is a very good trainer, and hopefully I will finish the day with a winner.