Jim Crowley blog: 'This is an open race'

The latest Jim Crowley blog sees the jockey and Coral ambassador share his thoughts on his rides at Newbury this weekend.

1.30 Newbury – Mujtaba

This horse ran well on his sole start last season at Chester, finishing second to Point Lonsdale in the Group Two Huxley Stakes. He only went down by a neck in that race. Unfortunately, he then encountered a problem and missed the rest of the campaign.

On his comeback run in France, the ground was just far too heavy for him at Saint-Cloud. I think you can put a line through that run.

This is a hot race, with Arrest being the one to beat. I am hoping my horse runs well and gives us something to build upon for the rest of the year.

3.15 Newbury – Dancing Magic

Dancing Magic has been gelded since his last run, and Roger Teal is a good trainer who does well with these sorts of horses. He handles any cut in the ground and although he is a maiden, he is a very good maiden, with some solid form.

I don’t think there is much in this race between the top four in the betting. My horse is more than capable of popping up with a big performance and landing a contest like this if things fall right for him.

5.00 Newbury - Baltimore Boy

I was impressed with this horse at Kempton last time. He is stepping up from 1m to 1m2f, and it was the first thing I suggested when I got off him at Kempton. On pedigree, you would not think it, as he is by Starspangledbanner.

The step up in trip should bring out a marked improvement. Again, this is an open race, and I expect he will run well.

Trials Week

I have had three winners over the last seven days, and although they were not major races, it’s always nice to ride a few winners. I’ve kept a close eye on the Trials at Newmarket, and from what I have seen, the form from the Dewhurst has been boosted for Alyanaabi. The horse that won the Craven finished behind him in that race, as did the second.

We worked Alyanaabi before racing earlier this week and we were pleased with his workout. We are very hopeful of a big run in the Guineas.

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