Jim Crowley: I’ve been looking forward to this ride all winter
Jockey and Coral ambassador Jim Crowley discusses the chances of his four rides at Newmarket on Saturday.
Newmarket 1.40 – Crystal Delight
I rode him to win at Lingfield back in December and I was really impressed with him that day. He was actually bought out of Sir Michael Stoute’s and he’s a big strong horse with a beautiful pedigree, so you’d suspect there could be plenty more improvement to come from him.
As impressive as he was at Lingfield, I actually thought that track was sharp enough for him and this more galloping course should suit, so I’d say he goes there with a really solid chance.
Newmarket 3.25 – Dual Identity
He’s a fair horse this lad and I have a sneaky suspicion he could still be ahead of the handicapper. He did best of the horses on the far side when finishing third in the Cambridgeshire, so he likes the track and, even though this is his first run of the season, I don’t think he’ll be lacking for any fitness.
As I say, I think there’s more to come from him, so I can see him running well in what does admittedly look a very competitive contest.
He hasn’t won in England for a while as he’s been doing his winning in Meydan more recently, and he did run well there again when fourth in Group Three company back in March.
That was over six furlongs, but I do think he’s a proper five-furlong horse, so the return to this trip should suit him and it wouldn’t surprise me if he hit the frame at a big price.
Newmarket 4.40 – Royal Scotsman
I’ll be honest, I’ve been looking forward to this ride all winter and I’m very thankful it’s finally here. I thought he was a bit unlucky in the Dewhurst behind Chaldean as it just took him a little while to get going, but he galloped past the winning post that day like a mile wouldn’t be a problem.
I haven’t sat on him yet this year, but Paul and Oliver have assured me he’s been working well at home, and I’d be hopeful he’s trained on.
Paul & Oliver Cole set to unleash Royal Scotsman in the 2000 Guineas 🚂
📹 Look into Royal Scotsman's training and preparation at @whatcomberacing ahead of the first Classic of the season at @NewmarketRace tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/x8QHjk6n2c
— Coral (@Coral) May 5, 2023
Obviously, the two Ballydoyle horses look very strong, but neither of them have had a run yet this year, and Chaldean didn’t have the ideal prep when unseating in the Greenham, so you could say there’s question marks against a few of these.
I’m really confident that if he turns up and puts his best foot forward, that he has an excellent chance, and it would be incredible if I could finally get that elusive Classic winner I’ve been waiting for!
Jim
