Group 1 winning jockey Hector Crouch rides in both classics at this year’s Epsom Derby Festival 2025, in search of a first British classic.
Hector Crouch: Epsom Derby Festival 2025
There was a much-needed winner after a bit of a dry spell with Eclipser giving new trainer Charlie Clover a first career success in the opener at Chelmsford on Thursday. There had been a couple of near-misses before then, with Treasure for His Majesty being the standout in there who should improve. She was a good second, giving a well-backed favourite 25lb in a a warm handicap, and will now go to Royal Ascot bidding to go one better.
Epsom Derby Festival: Revoir (4.00)
The 1000 Guineas winner looks very classy, and has obviously claims if she stays the mile and a half trip. I was very impressed with the way Revoir (4.00) ran on her seasonal return at Newbury, when unlucky not to score and in front a stride after the line.
Despite the obvious disappointment that day, it was a lovely prep for the big day at Epsom and she will come on a lot for the run. She has a little bit to find on official ratings but she should improve for the step up in trip and her trainer has enjoyed plenty of success in the race. We go there with a very good chance.
Epsom Derby Festival: Darkness (5.10)
My other ride on the card is the recent Thirsk winner Darkness (5.10) in the 7f Handicap for trainer David O’Meara. He took advantage of a career-low mark to win well that day and should be competitive from just a 4lb rise at the weights. He is incredibly versatile and was second in the corresponding race back in 2023. Fingers crossed he can go one better this afternoon.
Epsom Derby Festival: Gold Star Hero (2.10)
Michael Bell’s Gold Star Hero (2.10) had no chance from a terrible draw last month at Chester, but should be much better at Epsom for the 3yo Dash Handicap. He looked a nice prospect last season as a 2yo and will benefit from blowing the cobwebs last month at The Roodee. He looks an out-and-out five furlongs horse, and hopefully has the zip to run well in what can often prove a tricky race.
Epsom Derby Festival: Stanhope Gardens (3.30)
You grow up wanting to ride the winner of The Derby and I’m excited for the ride aboard Stanhope Gardens. He looked to have plenty of class last season, and ran Derby favourite Delacroix close in The Autumn Stakes at Newmarket. He improved over the winter, and I thought he was the best 3yo colt in the yard prior to stablemate Pride of Arras winning The Dante at York. I’m still of that opinion, and was impressed by Stanhope Gardens on his return last month at Salisbury.
The draw in stall two can be quite tricky, especially at Epsom. Such is the complexities of the track, whereby you climb uphill quite sharply early doors, that if you don’t have the tactical speed to get a good position early then you could find yourself quite far back and with a lot to do. He looks a classy horse, and I think he’ll stay the mile and a half trip well. We’ll find out tomorrow.
Epsom Derby Festival: Valvano (4.15)
Easily the most frustrating yard in the yard of Ralph Beckett is Valvano (4.15), who has been something of a nearly animal and well-fancied for competitive handicaps at York, Doncaster and Sandown. I was disappointed about the return at Goodwood last month, but it turns out most of Ralph’s weren’t quite running at 100% at the time and there’s good reason to think we haven’t quite got to the bottom of him yet.
This is his first time running at a mile and a half on good ground, and I’m hopeful that these optimum conditions will finally see him get his head back in front. Ralph has opted for a pair of cheek-pieces and I think I’m going to try and ride him a bit differently. Let’ see if it does the trick!
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