Jim Crowley Newbury Preview: Mutasaabeq is more than capable of winning this race

20 May 2023

Coral Racing Ambassador, Jim Crowley, provides an exclusive preview on his four rides on Lockinge Day at Newbury this afternoon.

13:50 Newbury – Rabaah

This is an incredibly hot race, and it’s obviously a big step up for him. He’s been really impressive in his last two runs on the all-weather, and I think he’s a really nice horse.

He’s been pleasing us with his work at home, so even though he’d have plenty to find on the figures with a mark of 90, I think he’s a lot better than that. I think he could make up into a Commonwealth Cup horse, but realistically he’ll have to run a big race here if we are going to aim him that high.

I’m really looking forward to riding him tomorrow, and I suppose we’ll find out exactly how good he is.

14:25 Newbury – Israr

He disappointed us on his last start at Doncaster in the November handicap, but he’s won when fresh before, and with John & Thady Gosden's horses in such great form, it wouldn’t surprise me if he runs a good race.

He will need to improve on what he’s shown so far pitched into Group company for the first time, and although Yibir sets a fairly good standard, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if Israr finds the necessary improvement to get involved.

15:35 Newbury – Mutasaabeq

Mutasaabeq put in a massive performance last time when winning the Group 2 race at Newmarket, so he’s well worth another go at the top level here.

He’s now 2-2 in the blinkers, so they’ve definitely helped him, but I also think he’s just physically improved and really strengthened up, so he could have even more to come this season. He doesn’t have to lead but he seems to enjoy it, so that’s probably how we’ll ride him if things pan out that way and I’m really looking forward to the race.

It looks a really good renewal and you’d have to respect horses like Modern Games and Light Infantry who both bring very good form to the table, but on ratings my lad would be right there with them. Laurel is very lightly-raced, so you’d have to respect her too, but Mutasaabeq is more than capable of winning this race if he puts his best foot forward.

16:10 Newbury – Wanees

He just didn’t run his race in the Lincoln last time, but I wouldn’t be in a rush to write him off. He wouldn’t mind a bit of cut in the ground, but it was very testing at Doncaster that day and I’d just say he didn’t handle it at all. This is another competitive race, but I still think a mark of 96 potentially underestimates him and I can see him running well at a nice price.

Jim Crowley, Coral Racing Ambassador

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