Jim Crowley: ‘I think Al Aasy will be hard to beat at Newbury.’

She’s won her only start, and did it nicely on Kempton’s all-weather, but this is a big step up in class, with the Group One winner Alcohol Free heading the field here.

I’m sure my filly will make into a lovely 3-year-old, she’s one of the more inexperienced runners in this field so she’ll learn plenty from it. She’s been going nicely at home and I’m hopeful of a big run.

Jim rides Mujbar in the 14:45 at Newbury

I had the choice of two here. I’ve got off Alkumait, I know him well and he’s a lovely horse, but I think he might end up being a sprinter, maybe even a Commonwealth Cup horse, and so I want to find out more about Mujbar as a possible Guineas horse. He won the Horris Hill here last season so the track suits him, albeit that was on very different ground, it was much heavier.

I know he’s been working well, and Charlie [Hills] is another trainer in great form, so hopefully this race will tell us where he’s at. I’ve ridden Alkumait at home and he’s going well so I could be on the wrong one, but as I say he’s got plenty of speed, I’m not sure he’s a Guineas horse.

Jim rides Danyah in the 15:20 at Newbury

Shadwell run two here as well. I’ve chosen Danyah, who ran very well first time up this season to finish fourth in the Lincoln.

He was a bit keen that day, as he always is, he always travels strongly in his races, but I think he’s the better handicapped of our pair here.

Raaeq carries top weight, and to win off that mark on his first run of the season, I think he’d have to be bordering on Listed or even Group 3 class to do that.

Jim rides Alfaadhel in the 15:55 at Newbury

Another first timer, this son of Night Of Thunder cost a fair bit as a yearling, as befits a horse with this pedigree.

On breeding alone he could go well here, but as I say we’ll find out more about him with this run.

Jim rides Mandoob in the 16:30 at Newbury

A third unraced 3-year-old to finish, and Mandoob is not one I know too much about personally, although I understand he’s been going well at home.

Brian Meehan’s are in good form, so this is another fact-finding mission.

Jim

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