Jim Crowley on Meydan rides and the new season
Jim Crowley gives us the lowdown on his rides at Meydan on Dubai World Cup Day
This horse ran a massive race in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint last time out. He had a good draw on that occasion, and he took full advantage of it to finish second behind a talented sprinter from Japan.
Unfortunately he has been drawn wide here, which makes it difficult for him. It’s not to say he can’t be in the mix, because he has run well here before, we just may need a little luck in running.
I am looking forward to this ride. He is well drawn next to the favourite (Schnell Mesiter), and he is dropping back down in trip, which will suit him.
I know he won over 1m2f at Royal Ascot, but I think this is a better distance for him. He has trained well, and he remains unexposed. I don’t think his current rating reflects how good this horse is.
It was an excellent run last time over this C&D in the Dubai City of Gold. I wasn’t expecting too much on his opening start of the year, as I feel he will come on for that outing.
He is rated 116, so he does have a little bit to find with some of these on ratings. It is a really strong race, and it has lots of depth this year.
He is drawn wide, which isn’t ideal for position. If I can get a good pitch on him, I think he will run a big race.
Dubai World Cup thoughts (4.30 – Meydan)
Life Is Good looks to be the one to beat in the Dubai World Cup. He was very impressive in the Pegasus World Cup when he blew away the field which included Knicks Go. He has an inside draw in this race, so it is hard to look past him.
Lincoln Handicap thoughts (3.35 – Doncaster)
Mujtaba is an unexposed horse who I like a lot. I rode him to victory on his debut at Chepstow last season. He has obviously gone on to prevail again twice since then.
William Haggas is a master of these types of races. It is a competitive field, so Mujtaba will need to step up, but I have a lot of confidence in him.
Hopefully it is a good day for Shadwell at Doncaster and around the world.
Excitement for new season
I am very excited by the season ahead. We have some very nice horses. The numbers at Shadwell have come down, however, we have some real quality in there.
View the latest horse racing odds
