Coral Racing Ambassador, Jim Crowley, provides an exclusive preview on his three rides at Sandown for this evening's Brigadier Gerard meeting.

Sandown 19:42 – Hukum

He’s obviously been off the track for a little while after his injury, but it’s great to see him back here and I’m looking forward to riding him again. I have sat on him at home and he’s been in great form. I’d hope he still retains all of that ability, but it won’t be easy taking on last year’s Derby winner Desert Crown. 

Hukum would probably prefer a bit more juice in the ground, and I suspect this trip won’t be ideal for him, but we have to start him somewhere. As long as he runs a nice race and comes hope safe and sound, I’ll be happy with that.

Providing he comes out of this race ok then I suspect the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot will be his next target, but let’s see how he goes here first. 

Sandown 20:12 – Yaanaas 

He showed really good form when winning his first two starts on the all-weather, then he ran a cracker finishing second in an apprentice race at Ascot last time when probably just hitting the front a bit too soon. He’s been raised 1lb for that in what looks another competitive race, but he’d still be open to plenty more improvement. He’s got a good draw, so I’m hopeful of a big run from him.

I’d have him on my mind as a horse for the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot if he runs well here, so hopefully he can go close and he’ll be a live contender at the Royal meeting. 

Sandown 20:42 – Almarin 

I haven’t ridden him before, but he’s very lightly-raced so should be open to improvement. He won in good fashion at Yarmouth last year so the ability is certainly there, but he did disappoint when last of 15 at Newmarket on his reappearance.

He’s another who’s drawn well, so hopefully back on a sounder surface he can bounce back to the form he was in at the backend of last season.

Jim Crowley, Coral Racing Ambassador