Jockey Hector Crouch bids to end a luckless time of things in the saddle with some big chances this week, at Southwell on Thursday and Friday. Read his exclusive preview for kwiff.
Hector Crouch: All Weather Preview, Dec 18th 2025
It’s been a tough week or so, without the rub of the green in the saddle, but hopefully that’s put right with some good chances at Southwell. The most obvious chance of a winner is Paradise Walk (2.52) who should go better than an excellent second last month on debut.
Hector Crouch Rides: Paradise Walk
Looking at her pedigree, 7f was probably stretching her on debut so the drop back in trip to 6f should suit, and she will have benefitted from learning the job on her first day of school. It will take a very good one to beat her on Thursday.
Hector Crouch Rides: Fort Augustus
Fort Augustus (3.52) wouldn’t be without a chance for the 6f Handicap, having fallen down the weights and joining the Charlie Wallis yard. The change of scenery often helps horses who have lost their way a bit, and he could be chucked in from a revised mark of 64. He will have had the cobwebs blown for that run back last month at Chelmsford, and he could go well from a good draw in stall two.
Hector Crouch Rides: Neptune Legend
Neptune Legend (4.22) is one of those to benefit from a change of yard, improving for the switch to James Owen (from Tony Carroll) and did it well when scoring at Wolverhampton on his penultimate start. He wasn’t beaten far in his bid to follow-up from a 2lb higher mark last week at Lingfield and, whilst in good nick at present, and should go close from an unrevised mark.
Hector Crouch Rides: Fiorella Princess
Fiorella Princess (4.52) is another recent recruit by trainer Charlie Wallis who looks well capable of taking the sprint handicap over the minimum trip. The 3yo wants a stiff five, so providing they go a good clip we should be there or thereabouts to pick up the pieces fingers crossed.
Hector Crouch Rides: Arth’s Gold
Richard Hannon’s Arth’s Gold (5.22) has the less than ideal draw in stall ten (of 14) for the 1m 3f Handicap, but is unexposed and should improve for the application of first-time head-gear. He should improve for the step up in trip and can go well at a double figure price.
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