Eminent was the best two year old I rode last year but I had a slight doubt in my mind whether he was fast enough to win a Craven. I was always confident on him during the race. From four furlongs out I thought I was going to win the race. I knew when we hit the rising ground he’d pick up and hit the line really well. He will have a massive chance in the 2000 Guineas. He will get further too. In fact the Guineas will just be the starting point. I think he could be a Derby horse. He’s by Frankel but his dam was placed in the Oaks. I’ve never had a horse gallop out past the line as well as he did. For a big horse he handled the dip and the fast ground really well. He’s so well balanced. He’s the best contender for the Guineas in England, and I’d love to ride him but I will just have to see what happens as if Sheikh Hamdan has a runner in the race I will be contracted to ride it. That’s part and parcel of the job I’m in. It’s great for Martyn Meade and the team too.
When I was growing up watching the television, the Craven was one of those races I always wanted to win, so it was great to win it. It’s been a good start to the season. For any jockey to get a Group winner early on, sets you up nicely for the weeks and months ahead. I’m riding with plenty of confidence and hopefully we can find a few more gems.
I was impressed with Tamleek last week too. I’d imagine he’d go for the Lingfield Derby Trial or a race like that. Talaayeb went really well in her racecourse gallop. I was really impressed with her. She has a lovely temperament. She won very well last year. She’ll go straight to the Guineas and I’m really excited about riding her.
At Newbury I ride Muntahaa in the 1.55. I’m really looking forward to riding him. He’ll come on for his first race. I’d like to think he can reverse the form with Chemical Charge at the weights. Midterm is a high class horse and it’s a good race. Last time it was important for me to get him settled as he’d been very keen in the St Leger last year. He settled really well so I’m hopeful of a big run.
I ride Arwa in the 2.30 for Charlie Hills. Charlie’s horses are running well. On the bare face of the form she will have to step up. Queen Kindly and Dabyah will be hard to beat but hopefully Arwa can run a nice race.
In the Greenham at 3.05 I’m on Zainhom. He’s been working well. I don’t think it’s a strong trial. The favourite Dream Castle is only a maiden winner. I was very impressed with Barney Roy when he won his maiden. I rode in the race and I thought that day Barney Roy would go on to be a Group horse. My horse has been pleasing in his work, may want further in time, but should go well.
In the 3.40 I ride Zhui Feng for Amanda. He’s won of those horses that is probably handicapped up to the hilt. It’s a competitive race and he’ll run well but he could probably do with a bit of relief from the handicapper. He’s a nice horse and he’ll be suited by conditions.
In the 4.15 I’m on Najashee. He’s a very nice horse. He was an expensive yearling with a lovely pedigree and I’m hopeful of a big run from him.
In the 4.45 I’ve decided to ride Anif rather than Saaheq. I haven’t ridden him but Charlie Hills tells me he goes OK. In these Newbury maidens with first time out runners there are going to be times where the black cap beats the blue and white striped hat because we have so many horses and we are finding out about them. They both have nice pedigrees so we’ll learn more tomorrow.
In the 5.20 I ride Karawaan. I haven’t ridden him at home. He was fifth in a Yarmouth maiden last year. It looks a nice race with some decent newcomers so will be interested to see how he goes.
In the last I’m on Zzoro. I won on him when he was trained by Charlie Hills. He’s a nice little horse, it’s his first run of the year, so hopefully he can run well.
