Analyzing the Potential Choices of Mostahdaf with Jim Crowley

Jim Crowley banking on Heatwave for Mostahdaf’s Chance in Champion Stakes

In a bid to secure victory for Mostahdaf in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 21, jockey Jim Crowley is pinning his hopes on an impending heatwave. The five-year-old horse, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has showcased remarkable form this season with wins in both the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Juddmonte International at York where he ended Paddington’s winning streak.

The natural progression for a horse excelling over 10 furlongs would be to enter the prestigious Champion Stakes. However, given Mostahdaf’s preference for good ground, his connections have been cautious about making concrete plans. While they do have the Breeders’ Cup Turf as a backup option, it would mean stepping up to a mile and a half. Therefore, Crowley is eagerly anticipating accurate weather forecasts predicting dry conditions leading up to Champions Day.

“If the ground is nice I’m sure he will take his chance,” said Crowley during an interview. “The weather can change between now and then but he’d go well even if it was good to soft as he has performed admirably under such conditions before.”

Crowley further added that if the ground becomes excessively testing at Ascot, there might be reconsideration of participating in the Breeders’ Cup instead. Nonetheless, their primary desire is to witness him compete at Ascot due to its significance as a course where Mostahdaf has previously emerged victorious over that distance.

Reflecting on the potential prospect of venturing to America, Crowley expressed excitement. He stated, “We’ll take one step at a time and see if he goes to Ascot first, but it would be thrilling if he went to America. It would involve racing over a mile and a half, but he has proven his capabilities at that distance before. Additionally, the tight track in Santa Anita is similar to what he experienced in Saudi where he secured victory. Furthermore, Mostahdaf thrives on fast ground which adds more options for us.”

Concluding his remarks, Crowley acknowledged the significance of this season in revealing Mostahdaf’s true talent.