Jim Crowley: “Mohaafeth has done nothing wrong and I’m really excited by him”

Jim rides Mokaatil in the 14:40 at York

Mokaatil was formerly owned by Sheikh Hamdan so I actually rode him three years ago. Since then he’s been with Ian Williams who has done a typically good job with him.

He won the Epsom Dash last month, since when he’s run well enough in defeat at Sandown and here at Ascot. He’s back in the visor here, rather than blinkers, so he might be a bit of a thinker, but he’s won off higher marks than this current 86, and so it would be no surprise to see him run into a place at a big price here.

Jim rides Mohaafeth in the 15:15 at York

Mohaafeth is the reason I’ve come to York. Although there are only four runners against him in this Group 2, including his pacemaker Montatham, with Armory and Juan Elcano in the field it’s a proper race for the grade.

I felt I got to the front a bit too soon on him in the Hampton Court last time out, so Montatham is here to ensure it’s a nice, solid pace, although my fellow does have a turn of foot as well, so he’s versatile enough to cope with how the race unfolds.

Hopefully York will avoid all the showers and Mohaafeth can bounce off the quick ground, I’m sure there is much more to come from him.

If he were to win well here, we would have to consider the Juddmonte International for him back here next month, but he does have to take this next step up the ladder first. However, he’s a classy individual, he’s done nothing wrong so far, and I’m very excited by him.

Jim rides Ernesto in the 16:25 at York

In the two-mile handicap I’m on another for Ian Williams, Ernesto. He’s not run on the Flat for a while, but has been kept busy over hurdles and Ian does well with these dual purpose types, so I’m sure whatever he does here, he’ll improve for the run.

Jim rides Pagan in the 17:35 at York

I end the day on another for William Haggas.  Pagan is having his first run in a handicap, and a mark of 77 looks fair off the back of a win last time.  I watched that race and thought he did it nicely at Pontefract in the end, and with William’s horses in great form, I hope he’s got a great chance of ending my day with a winner.

Ascot 15:35 – King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes

Although I’m at York, I’ll be tuning in with interest to watch what promises to be a brilliant King George.

Love is a worthy favourite, and should come on for a winning return in the Prince Of Wales’s last month.

Adayar’s Derby win has been given a couple of big boosts by Hurricane Lane’s victories in Ireland and France. However, if the forecast thunderstorms arrive at Ascot in time, and the going comes in favour of Wonderful Tonight, I can see that filly running a mighty race, as the form of her Hardwicke win has already been franked by wins for Broome, Hukum and Sir Ron Priestley.

Jim