Jim Crowley “Enable is the best filly I’ve ever seen”
Enable was unbelievable on Saturday
Saturday was frustrating for me. I went to the wrong meeting as Elarqam won up at York. He’ll probably go for the Juddmonte International. The ground was a bit too soft for the handicappers I rode at Ascot but Salouen ran a big race in the King George to finish fourth.
Enable was unbelievable. Frankie was brilliant on her as always. It was a great race to ride in because the reception even the placed horses got when they came in was just incredible. The crowd were applauding all the horses back in.
I got on to the tail of Enable as we were turning in, and while I never thought we would beat her, the acceleration that she showed to put distance between her and the rest of the field as she went after Crystal Ocean was spectacular. It was fantastic to be a part of it.
Enable is the best filly I’ve seen. She reminds me a lot of Sea The Stars as she only ever wins by a length, she never wins by big margins. You only have to look at her CV, and I’ve never seen a CV like it before. She’s won an Oaks, two King Georges, a Coral-Eclipse, a Breeders Cup Turf and two Arc de Triomphes. She’s phenomenal really.
I don’t think she was at her best last year when she won the Arc. When she was a three year old she was at the top of her game, and she had the weight for age allowance which helped. I think she’s back to her best this season.
On Sunday I was at Newbury for the Shadwell Arabian Race Day where I rode a winner for the boss which was good. There was a huge crowd at Newbury. It was free entry and you couldn’t move. It was an unbelievable turnout. It was almost like Lockinge Stakes day.
MY TUESDAY GOODWOOD RIDES
It’s a quiet start to the week on Tuesday and Wednesday.
4.45 Goodwood – Muthmir
Muthmir is dropping down in grade but he was rated 115 at his peak and he won the King George V stakes a few years ago at this meeting. So he’s down in class and he ran very well in the Epsom Dash. He hasn’t run quite so well in his starts since then but he could go well in this race at a price. He likes Goodwood. He’s not getting any younger but he seems in good form. He’s a hold up horse that likes to get into trouble so the draw shouldn’t be an issue.
5.15 Goodwood – Layaleena
We were very keen on Layaleena when she ran at Royal Ascot as she had won well the time before at Nottingham, and the form of that race had worked out really well. She went to Ascot and completely boiled over in the preliminaries and it didn’t really happen for her. She’s down in class from Ascot and I think she has a great chance of winning. Sir Michael’s horses are in great form. She’s drawn a bit wide in 10 but that’s not too bad.
Goodwood Cup
I can’t see anything beating Stradivarius. He’s the best stayer around. Cross Counter and Dee Ex Bee might get a bit closer over this trip but I’d be surprised if they can beat the favourite.
REST OF THE WEEK
Nassau Stakes – Maqsad
William Haggas could have run Maqsad in the Prix Rothschild last Sunday but has saved her for this race. She clearly didn’t stay in the Oaks at Epsom where she was the last horse off the bridle. This drop back in trip will suit. Yes it’s a tough race but she’s a good filly and she is in great form.
King George V Stakes – Battaash
I can’t wait to ride him. He’s my best ride of the week and he’s in great order. It looks a weaker renewal of the race than in previous years and he is probably better than he has been in previous years. He’s more relaxed these days and he should definitely make it three King George V Stakes. It will be fantastic if he can as no horse has ever won three King George V Stakes
Jim
