Crowley Calls It: “I’m very pleased to have got this ride in the big race of the day”

The Champion Jockey talks through his mounts on the final day of York’s Ebor Festival

1.55 – Strensall Stakes

I’m looking forward to Mustashry in the first.  He was returning from a long time off when he ran at Goodwood, and we then went to Chelmsford where I thought he was a bit special to be honest.  It’s very hard to come from behind there and he passed the whole field in two furlongs.  He should come on again for that run, so I’m very hopeful of a big run.

2.25 – Melrose Handicap

I won on Sofia’s Rock at Haydock back in May, he’s a big strong front runner – you don’t have a lot of choice with that, as he likes to do his own thing!  We’ve got a good low draw in one, and I think this track should play to his strengths, I can get him out in front and hopefully he’ll be hard to pass.

3.00 – Gimcrack Stakes

Nebo has run very well in Group races last two times, he went very close in the Superlative Stakes and then finished second again behind Barraquero at Goodwood.  We meet Cardsharp again, who we beat at Goodwood, and although it’s a competitive race as you’d expect, I think we have a good chance, he’ll certainly be on the scene, and he deserves to get his head in front in one of these nice races.

3.35 – Ebor Handicap

I’ve picked up a lovely ride in the Ebor, Ivan Grozny for Willie Mullins.  We’re drawn in 11, but he’s an uncomplicated horse who I can be quite handy on, and I think we’ve got a good chance.  The favourite is drawn way out wide, and Magic Circle looks a major threat after his win here on Wednesday but two big runs in a week won’t be easy, so I’m very pleased to have got this ride and hopefully I’ll have a great ride in the big race of the day.

4.40 – Jack Berry House Handicap

I end Ebor week on top-weight Khairaat in the ten furlong handicap.  Things have not quite gone his way last couple of times, at Royal Ascot he was a little bit keen and didn’t quite finish his race, and at Goodwood we didn’t have the best draw but still ran well for third.  He started the season with a very good win at Chester, and although this is a very different track, I think it will suit him and he’s a nice horse who I think will run a big race.