Jim Crowley: “I’ll be very disappointed if Hukum doesn’t win”

Coral ambassador previews his Saturday rides at Newbury

2.20 Newbury – Hukum

Hukum is a really good solid horse, in fact he’s one of my favourites. He won really well last time at York, after running a super race at Royal Ascot, and that form has been well franked since too.

He’s going to be the horse to beat. He’s the highest rated in the race and he won this race last year so we know the trip and track are perfect.

It doesn’t look a strong race. Golden Pass is stepping up from Listed company to Group company and looks like a progressive filly. Red Verdon has been highly tried and the rest aren’t particularly special. I will be very disappointed if Hukum doesn’t win.

I think a big target for Hukum later in the season will be the Canadian International. It’s a lovely big galloping track at Woodbine and would really suit him. I was second in the race on Dandino a few years ago. I’d love Hukum to win a Group 1. He’s a full brother to Baaeed.

3.30 Newbury – Danyah

I had a choice of three to ride in this race and it was a really tough decision. I’ve gone for Danyah.

He was really good last time winning the International Handicap at Ascot. Obviously on ratings Motakhayyel is now better off with Danyah, and he wasn’t far behind him at Ascot. It was a toss of the coin picking between these two.

Danyah seems to be really progressive this season so I’ve gone for him. Motakhayyel can sometimes run a really good race and then not such a good race. I hope I have chosen right. Both of them should run good races.