Jim Crowley “Muthmir has an outstanding chance”

Saturday rides

3.45 Epsom – Muthmir

Muthmir is another 9-y-o, but I think this is a really good race for the old boy.  He’s a Group race performer dropping down to handicap company, and he loves the hustle and bustle of races, likes to come through horses, and not be in front too soon.  He’s got a fantastic draw in 16, so will be close to the rail, they will go lickety split on this downhill five furlongs – the fastest there is – and if we get a bit of luck which you need in races like this I think he has an outstanding chance, it will certainly be good fun riding him, I’m looking forward to it.

 5.15 Epsom – Breath Caught

 Breath Caught is having his first run for Ian Williams, having previously run in the Khalid Abdullah colours for Ralph Beckett.  I would imagine Ian had his eye on this horse when he was running for his previous connections, as he’s the sort that he does so well with.  If he can squeeze some improvement out of him it will be interesting to see how he runs, I’m sure we’ll learn plenty. 

Investec Derby

I don’t have a ride in the Investec Derby this year, but if I could pick one, honestly, I’m really not sure, it would be such a close call!  I really like Sir Dragonet, out of all the trial winners I thought he was the most impressive, and I think it’s a big plus when you can win around Chester, it’s not like Epsom but you are always on the turn, and horses that have run well there have gone on to run well at Epsom.  

Telecaster is a talented horse and the Dante win looks strong, but he could run a bit keen, and he’s been done no favours being drawn so low [in two], and a horse I like, and who has gone under the radar a bit, actually beat Telecaster at Doncaster earlier this season, is Bangkok.  He’s a well-balanced horse who should handle Epsom, and by a Derby winner in Australia he should get the trip no problem. 

Although Aidan O’Brien has more than half the field, it’s still a wide open race.  Broome, Anthony Van Dyck and Circus Maximus all won their trials and there are plenty in with chances.  Japan will improve a huge amount for his York run, they wanted to get a run into him but not have a hard race, so I can see him improving a lot.  It would have been great to have a ride in the race, and now it will be a great race to watch.

Jim