Flat jockey Hector Crouch is back with another look at the weekend’s upcoming rides, and reflect on another excellent month during October.
Hector Crouch: October 2024
It was another good month with 12 winners for the month of October, my second highest monthly total, second to the 17 amassed in August. It could have been better however, with another 23 places from those 75 rides during October. We hit the crossbar plenty, but I can’t complain too much.
It was a mixed week with a couple of nice winners, Ralph’s That’s Amore did the job nicely on debut last weekend at Newbury, but another few near-misses too. Qirat was second (again) in listed company during the week. It’s a different class of animal running in these types of races, and he handled the step up well, just getting tired over a mile and testing ground.
We’ll have to wait for the handicapper to assess again, but I think he is better than a 98-rated handicapper. He could be an ideal handicap for something like The Royal Hunt Cup (at Royal Ascot) if kept in training, and would be one I remain adamant is capable of winning races.
Hector Crouch: Bright Times Ahead (Newmarket 12.00)
Bright Times Ahead is my first ride on a busy day at Newmarket this Saturday, and looks a nice filly with a fantastic pedigree. She’s related to some nice types and should appreciate the ground. The Godolphin horse is rated 76 and has been beaten three times already at the track – I’d expect something in here to be good enough to the job done first time out.
Hector Crouch: Chelsea Embankment (Newmarket 1.42)
He’s a horse that has been unlucky to remain a maiden, after good runs in defeat earlier in the season. He didn’t look to stay a mile and a quarter on heavy ground last time out at Nottingham, and should appreciate the drop back in trip. Ralph’s always keen to give headgear a go if it means a horse has a better chance of winning races, and I like his chances in the first time visor.
Hector Crouch: Smoken (Newmarket 2.50)
I sat on her (Smoken) before her debut at Nottingham, and I liked her a lot, so I wasn’t surprised she went and did what she did on debut. This is admittedly a different test, on different ground, a different track and better calibre of opposition but she’s very straightforward and well worth a go at listed company. I’m hoping she can take the step up in class in her stride.
Hector Crouch: Eydon (Newmarket 3.27)
Amazingly, this is my first ride for Andrew Balding and likewise for Prince Faaisal, so I’m hoping for a winning start in the plate for both. Eydon is obviously a very talented horse who has had his issues, but I thought it was a very good run at Ayr, did very well to finish second having got so far back. I’m hopeful that the race will be set up to suit – Bolster will probably go along in front and go at a good gallop, which should really help my lad. He’s got a big chance.
Hector
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
