Jockey Hector Crouch was a winner at Chester’s May Meeting on Thursday and heads to Lingfield Derby Trial Day for 4 rides including Bay of Brilliance in the feature race. Read his exclusive preview below.
Hector Crouch on Lingfield Derby Trial Day 2026
Twisting Physics (12.55) had a nice seasonal reappearance at Newbury and should improve ahead of Lingfield’s opening mile and a quarter handicap. He stayed on strongly, coming from a bad draw that day at Newbury, and with the form franked subsequently he should go well. As long as he handles the track, I think he’ll go very close.
Lingfield Derby Trial: Bay of Brilliance
There’s a small but select field for the Lingfield Derby Trial where I partner Bay of Brilliance (1.58) for trainer Ralph Beckett. He’s got upwards of 9lb on official ratings to find with the market principles, but I think he’ll relish the step up in trip to a mile and a half. The ground is something of a question mark, with his two wins last season coming with cut in the ground but it’s a fact-finding mission ultimately and hopefully he comes through this test well and by winning.
Lingfield Derby Trial: Dash of Azure
The consistent Dash of Azure (2.40) progressed well through the ranks last year, winning handicaps at Kempton and Thirsk before gaining some valuable black type at Ascot near the end of the her campaign. She went down narrowly by a short head at Ascot that day and a repeat of that level of form should see her go close. She is likely to improve for the run but it doesn’t look the strongest of Gp 3s and finger crossed she gain some further black type.
Lingfield Derby Trial: Dragon King
Middleham Park’s Dragon King (3.15) is dropping back in trip after the failed experiemnt on AW Finals Day when tried over the mile. He drops back to 7 1/2 furlongs and should go well if getting his preferred strong pace to aim at, so he can drop his head. Lingfield isn’t really suited for closers, but fingers crossed he gets a strong pace to aim at and he comes there late at the line. He’s in good order.
Please note that the information provided in this Hector Crouch: Weekend Preview article is for entertainment purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any action you take upon the information on this article is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of our article. We do not encourage gambling and remind you to gamble responsibly.
18+ | BeGambleAware.org
