Coral Racing Ambassador, Jim Crowley, provides an exclusive preview of his two rides on the first day of the Dante Meeting at York this afternoon, including Crystal Delight in the opener of the card.

14:15 York – Crystal Delight

I kick off the Dante meeting on a horse I’ve ridden on a few occasions, including at Epsom last time, when he won well. That was over ten furlongs but he’s run well over further before, so the step up in trip shouldn’t be a problem. Of more concern is the nine pounds the handicapper has put him up for that Epsom win.

That said, he is a big strong horse, and York should suit him more than Epsom really, so hopefully he can carry the extra weight. He’s got a good chance on form, and I expect him to be there or thereabouts, it’s just whether the handicapper has got his measure.

16:15 York – Elmonjed

Elmonjed is a lovely Shadwell home-bred son of Blue Point, who won both his starts as a 2-y-o, although just through circumstances, I was riding at other meetings both time, so I’ve not actually ridden him in public yet. This is his first time in a handicap, he’s rated 90 but I’d like to think he will turn out to be better than that mark.

He’s run on decent ground both times, so any significant rain at York might pose a question, but hopefully it won’t get to that. He’s also stepping up a furlong to seven, but Blue Point’s progeny stay well, so I’d be confident he gets the trip well. He’s been working well, and is a horse we really like for the season.

Jim Crowley, Coral Racing Ambassador