Crowley Calls It: “He’s got a good draw and the way the race is set up, he should run a big race”

Coral ambassador Jim Crowley takes us through day two at Royal Ascot

2.30 Jersey Stakes – Taamol

He’s got a good chance in this race. He won at Newmarket last time out on ground slower than ideal. 7f on fast ground will definitely suit him. Sir Michael Stoute has always liked this horse and thought of him as a Guineas contender at the start of the year. Sadly he does not stay a mile but he’s a very quick horse. He’s got a good draw and the way the race is set up, he should run a big race. I am not saying he will definitely win but he should be thereabouts. It looks an open race. My horse has been trained for this contest so it is not afterthought.

3.05 Queen Mary Stakes – Chica La Habana

This is a great ride to pick up. She won her only start at Beverley for Robert Cowell who is a top man. I rode a King’s Stand winner for him a few years ago and he is doing very well with his two year olds at the moment. Everybody is saying the favourite can’t be beat but you should never be afraid of one horse.

3.40 Duke of Cambridge Stakes – Pirouette

Pirouette is probably up against here but she is very consistent so she could have an each-way chance. The one I really like is Smart Call. I am a big fan of this horse. She is running a bit short of her ideal trip but she was a champion horse in South Africa. I rode her at York where she ran a cracker after being off the track for a year. I think she will want fast ground as she will be used to that in South Africa.

4.20 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes – Ulysses

I feel for Frankie who will be missing some big rides this week including this one. In jumps racing you see it all the time. I am very lucky to pick up the ride. I found out this morning when I asked my agent if I had any spares. It is a really good race. Highland Reel is going to break off in front. I am drawn next to him so hopefully I can follow him through. Jack Hobbs is in here too but might prefer a little bit more cut in the ground. It is one of the biggest races of the week and I feel like I have a free shot at it with a very good horse.

5.00 Royal Hunt Cup – Tabarrak

Tabarrak won here last time and is off top weight which is going to be hard. He will run his race and will be thereabouts. I just hope the handicapper has not got hold of him.

Jim

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