Hector Crouch is back from Barbados and is back amongst the winners, firing in a double at Kempton midweek. He heads to Southwell for three rides on Friday and Saturday as he creeps ever nearer to a century of winners for 2024.
Hector Crouch: Tiempo Alegre (4.15 Friday)
I ride Tiempo Alegre in the opener on Friday, who bids to shed the maiden tag at the belated 8th time of asking. She was third last time out at Wolverhampton but should suit Southwell, which is a different kind of track. Down in 0-60 company, if she runs in a straight line I would be hopeful she can get her head in front.
Hector Crouch: Bella Bisbee (5.15 Friday)
Her stablemate Bella Bisbee (5.15 Southwell) threatened to be better than her mark, but unfortunately hasn’t gone on since that Doncaster success back in August. She has all the ability in the world, and is related to a few very smart horses, but needs to put her best foot forward to get back to winning ways.
Hector Crouch: One More Wave (7.15 Friday)
I’m a big fan of Jonathan Portman’s One More Wave (7.15 Southwell) who won over course and distance, and in my opinion a better race, here at the track two starts ago. The race should hopefully be set up to suit and I think he’s my best chance of the night. The horse he beat last time out here (Dashing Harry) has franked the form since he should go well in first-time cheek-pieces.
Hector Crouch: Kokanee (4.15 Saturday)
There’s a warm looking maiden where Edge of the Unknown should be hard to beat under a penalty for the George Boughey yard. I ride Kokanee who would need to improve from his debut run to be competitive. Pinhole is another interesting one on his first start for trainer Ralph Beckett. The Juddmonte homebred has a fantastic pedigree and makes his first start after leaving the Sir Michael Stoute yard.
Hector Crouch: Havana Sky (6.15 Saturday)
Havana Sky should have good claims of completing the hat-trick but will need things to go right in running. He is a former course and distance winner but needs delivering late, so we’ll need a bit of luck in-running. I think he holds a very good chance.
Hector Crouch: Sky Breeze (7.15 Saturday)
Sky Breeze was in good form during the early part of the season, and was far from disgraced when last seen in a competitive York handicap. It will be interesting to see the level of his form on his first start for 200+ days but he has twice won when returning from a short break and I expect him to run a really good race.
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