Jim Crowley “I’m hoping for a big run from Motafaawit”

3.05 Royal Ascot – Great Scot

I’ve not ridden Great Scot before, but he’s got some decent form to his name, and certainly won’t mind the soft ground.  If he improves for the step up in trip he could have an each-way chance.

4.20 Royal Ascot – Magic Circle

It’s great to have picked up the ride on Magic Circle in the Gold Cup.  He’s won a Chester Cup in the past so this long distance trip won’t be a problem, and he ran a nice enough race at that same track on his one start this season, on soft ground, so again, the going here this week isn’t a negative.  At his best he’d have an each way chance here, but as you’d expect it’s a top class race.

Last year’s winner Stradivarius is the one to beat, he won well at York first time up, and sets a very high standard.  That said, Dee Ex Bee could serve it up to him here, a second place in last year’s Derby shows he’s a classy horse, and he didn’t seem to be stopping when winning at Sandown over two miles.  

5.00 Royal Ascot – Motafaawit

Motafaawit keeps winning, not by far, but he keeps winning, including here at Ascot last time on soft ground, which helps, and the form of that has worked out well, with the second horse winning since.  He ticks a lot of boxes in what is obviously a competitive race so i hope he’ll give me a big run.