Jim Crowley: “I expected Tabdeed to go close in the Hackwood”

Coral ambassador previews his rides at Newbury on Saturday

My trip to York last weekend paid off with a double on the Knavesmire, and the first of them, Hukum, duly obliged in the Group 3 Silver Cup, as I hoped he would.

It wasn’t a fast run race, so for him to get the job done off a slow pace was even more creditable, and we hope now races like the Irish St Leger and Canadian International will come into the equation later in the season.

He could fill the void left by Al Aasy, who is on his holidays having been gelded. Hopefully that will see him come back a better horse next season, we know he has the class, he just needs to get his mind fully on the job.

Jim rides Motashaweq in the 13:15 at Newbury 

I’ve got just the two rides at Newbury, beginning with Motashaweq in this two-year-old novice contest.

I went down to see this horse at the start of the season and I really liked him. Marcus Tregoning’s often improve for a run as I’m sure this fellow will, but the fact they’re starting him off at Newbury suggests he’s been pleasing them at home and I’m looking forward to him as one for the future.

Shadwell and Marcus also run Tabdeeb. I haven’t sat on him, so, as always, I’m hoping for a one-two for the team and hopefully I’ve picked the right one.

Jim rides Tabdeed in the 15:00 at Newbury

My big ride of the day is Tabdeed, who will be bidding for back-to-back wins in the Hackwood Stakes.

He’s lightly raced so has not always been the most straightforward, but he comes here after a decent reappearance at Newcastle, and I expect him to improve plenty for that.

He’s vying for favouritism with King’s Lynn and Diligent Harry, and while they are to be respected, my fellow has been here and done it before, and I expect him to go close.

Jim.