Jim Crowley: “Almashriq is the one I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.”

More Newmarket insight from our ambassador

It’s been a really enjoyable start to the season and I’m starting to get right back into the swing of things now back in England. The sun is shining and it was great to kick off the Craven meeting with a couple of winners on Tuesday.

It’s always a really busy time and I’m taking the chance to ride as many horses out as I can to get to know them all again. These next few weeks will provide plenty of clues for the season and it’s always a great time of year.

Thursday – Newmarket

1.50 – Qutob  

Qutob is a very nice horse who has always possessed a lot of pace and we’re stepping him up a furlong in this race. That should allow him to relax into his race a bit more and if he does step up and see out the trip then he should go close.

It is always an advantage going into these races with a run under your belt up against plenty of unraced horses and hopefully that helps us here.  

3.00 – Almashriq

Almashriq could have ran in the Craven but instead takes his chance in this race and I cannot wait for it. He’s one that I have been looking forward to for a long time, I went and rode him the other day and he worked so well.

He is a big, strapping colt with absolutely beautiful pedigree. He looks the real deal and whilst there is good horses in the race I would be disappointed if we get beat based on what he has been doing at home.

3.35 – Sawwaah