Hector Crouch is Doncaster bound for the start of the British flat turf season and gives his latest weekend preview ahead of The Lincoln Handicap on Saturday.
Hector Crouch Weekend Preview, March 27th
My first ride at Lingfield is Sergeant Pep (3.12) in the 7f Handicap at Lingfield. He was one of two Middleham Park horses that ran well and were a bit unlucky when placed on a competitive card last month at Newcastle, when third over six furlongs. He’s six years old now, and six furlongs is probably just a bit sharp for him. The step up to seven should hopefully suit and I think he goes close from an unrevised mark.
Hector Crouch Weekend Preview: Friday
James Owens’ No Knee Never (4.42) has been a great buy for Nick Bradley Racing over the winter, winning over 6f at Southwell and 7f at Wolverhampton. He struggled with a new handicap rating but has slowly trickled back down, returning to his last winning mark, and can hopefully seal a third win for new connections this time over a mile.
The Corporate Guy (5.17) is rather unexposed but would have a great chance if staying the marathon trip when stepped up for the 2m Handicap. He ran well when third in an amateur riders’ handicap on his penultimate start at Wolverhampton, before being too keen to get home last time out at Southwell. Providing he settles, he would have a good chance.
Hector Crouch Weekend Preview: Saturday
Dance a Jig (1.20) hails from a nice family and should go well in the opening Brocklesby Stakes in Saturday’s curtain-raiser. He’s nice and forward for a 2yo and has done plenty of work at home. He’s a lovely solid horse and has plenty of size about him. He’s well drawn (next to the favourite) and, whilst not likely to be 100% clued up on debut, will run well and also learn plenty from.
James Tate’s Caburn (1.50) is the outsider of the field in the Listed Cammidge Trophy but if returning to the best of his 2yo form he would have a chance. He was a winner of the Super Sprint at Newbury and showed there is plenty of ability left in him when winning last season at Yarmouth. If found on a going day, he can out-run his odds of 33/1 and bigger.
George Boughey’s Classic Encounter (2.25) has a great record fresh and can hopefully go well on seasonal debut for The Spring Mile. He ran a brilliant race when last seen finishing third over 9f last time out at Newmarket and looked very-well treated from just a pound higher mark to go close on Town Moor.
I’ve called Valvano (3.32) plenty of names in the past 12 months but he’s undoubtedly talented and has first-time headgear trying to finally unlock the key to him. He was a beaten favourite here for the November Handicap 18 months ago when failing to stay a mile and a half on heavy ground, so we brought him back in trip to a mile towards the end of last season.
He got there going great guns two furlongs out when last season here over course and distance in October but that’s probably my fault as I think I got there too soon. I think I’ve got to try and hold onto him a little bit longer and get him right there on the line. There’s a good chance he’s still there going strong at halfway, and what happens thereafter who knows, but he’s in good heart at home and we’ve always thought a lot of him.
The Maiden Stakes looks a cracking renewal but I’m surprised to see Three No Trumps (4.05) the outsider of the field based on the promise shown on his racecourse debut at Kempton late last year. He ran a blinder to finish third at a very big price and with expected improvement lively from his first day at school he should prove to be a nice type for the yard but obviously it looks a very strong renewal for this time of year.
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