Jim Crowley: “Ignore Steel Bull’s last run and he’d be favourite here”
Published:
Coral ambassador previews his rides ahead of Day Three of St Leger
It was obviously very disappointing that the trial of racegoers was halted after just one day, but it wasn’t surprising given the situation in the wider world.
I feel for Arena Racing Company, Doncaster’s owners, as they’d clearly put plenty of effort into this week. We can only hope things can get back on track before too long.
Doncaster 13.10 – Almareekh
This is my busiest day of the Leger festival, with seven nice rides. Almareekh is up first, who is going for the four-timer.
She won nicely at Salisbury last time and as a result, she has obviously gone up in the weights. She’s a progressive filly and hopefully there’s still more to come from her.
The biggest danger looks to be Sir Michael Stoute’s other filly, Sorrel, but mine is a lovely ride to start the day.
Doncaster 13.40 – Alfaatik
Alfaatik overcame a long absence to win at York last month. He did surprise us that day and we certainly expected him to improve for the run. He’s a bit of a lad, a bit of thinker, but he has ability for sure.
The step up in trip here should suit him and while you would have a concern about the ‘bounce factor’ on his second run back after a break, he’s a big strong horse so I think he can cope with the rise in weights.
Doncaster 14.10 – Ghalyoon
The boss runs two here, Ghalyoon and Shabaaby, but it was a fairly easy choice for me to pick Ghalyoon.
He ran a nice race here last time to finish second and although he’s had his issues, he’s still a very lightly raced five-year-old with bags of potential.
I rode Shabaaby last time. I think he’s got plenty of ability, but I don’t think he tried very hard, hence the first-time blinkers here. I think that will help him and I can see him running a big race for Cieren Fallon. Hopefully I’ve picked the right ride anyway.
Doncaster 14.40 – Steel Bull
A lovely to ride to pick up in the Flying Childers. Steel Bull was an impressive winner at Glorious Goodwood, and you can put a line through his last run, as he hit his head in the stalls and broke two teeth.
If he was coming here straight off his Molecomb win I think he’d be favourite. Ruling out his last run, I think he’s got a great chance, albeit in what is a decent Group Two contest.
Doncaster 15.15 – The Grand Visir
It’s fair to say this is not a vintage renewal of the Doncaster Cup, and as a result I think my horse can run a big race.
Unlike some of these, he’s guaranteed to stay the two mile plus trip. If he stays it well, he could easily outrun his odds. He’s certainly an each-way chance.
Doncaster 15.45 – Laneqash
Laneqash is a very nice prospect who won well first time up at Ascot and his work since has been good too.
He’s come forward from that debut run, and although there are some nice types in here, I’m hopeful of a big run from my fellow.
Doncaster 16.15 – Tawaareq
My final ride of the day is Tawaareq in the maiden. I didn’t ride him first time up at Sandown where he finished a good fifth to One Ruler, who runs in the Flying Scotsman at 15.45.
He should come on plenty from that experience, and he’s another who I’m hoping runs a big race here today.
Jim.
