Crowley calls it: “Fanaar and Alfarris could have big runs at York.”
Champion jockey previews his Ebor Festival rides
Thursday – York
My first ride on Thursday is on Fanaar for Sheikh Hamdan in the big sales race, and I think he’s got a great chance.
He was second in a nice race at Yarmouth last time, and with Mr Haggas being a Yorkshireman, he will have targeted this race for a while.
I’ve always thought he would get 7 furlongs but the 6 here should suit him, and with the blinkers on him, I think he’ll run a big race.
It’s a big pot so there are plenty in with chances but mine is a really nice type and I think he’ll be there or thereabouts.
I chose right when riding Alfarris rather than Afaak at Glorious Goodwood last month, but to be honest I got a bit lucky that day, as Afaak didn’t get much of a run.
We were drawn together, and I took Alfarris back, went round them and took the safe route, while Afaak just got stopped in his run.
He was impressive when winning here in May, went on to be second in the Hunt Cup and then had that unlucky run at Goodwood.
He’s got a nice profile for this race, the track obviously suits him, and Charlie’s [Hills] horses are running well now, so I’m hopeful of a big run.
I haven’t ridden Shailene for Mr Strawbridge before, and she’ll have to step up on what she’s done so far to trouble the likes of Lah Ti Dar.
But Andrew Balding’s horses are in fine form, and the trip holds no concerns, so she could have an each way chance.
Jim
