Gideon Brooks

Recently retired champion jockey Jim Crowley previews the Juddmonte International at York, drawing on his victories in the race aboard Ulysses and Baaeed. He explains how York's long straight and possible rail positioning may shape the tactics, expects the pacemakers to ensure an honest pace, and views the contest primarily as a battle between Ombudsman and Constitution River. Crowley predicts that Ombudsman will use his strong late-running style to defeat Constitution River, while acknowledging that major upsets remain possible.

Trainer George Scott is considering supplementing four-year-old colt Wimbledon Hawkeye for the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown at a cost of €75,000. Hawkeye recently won the Group Three Prix Gontaut-Biron at Deauville after moving to Scott and new owners Victorious Forever. Scott believes the colt is thriving and could peak later in the season, but will decide based on the strength of the Irish Champion field; the alternative is the Prix du Prince d’Orange at ParisLongchamp.

Willie Mullins says Funiculi Funicula has prepared well for the €270,000 Tote Galway Plate and deserves his chance, but warns that the gelding must prove he can handle Galway's uniquely undulating course. The six-year-old is favourite after two recent victories, although Mullins also has three other entries. Key challengers include Gavin Cromwell's Will The Wise, Henry de Bromhead's Downmexicoway and several runners trained by Gordon Elliott, who has won five of the last 10 renewals.