Hector Crouch is Chester bound this afternoon for a bumper book of rides on The Roodee. Read his exclusive kwiff blog looking at this weekend’s racing – including one ride for Sunday’s trip to Thirsk.
Hector Crouch Weekend Preview: May 30th 2026
Hector Crouch Weekend Preview: Chester
Saturday should be a busy day on The Roodee, starting with Imelda (1.15) in the opening 7f Maiden for trainer David Loughnane. The filly has been placed on both starts, with the form of the last run behind a couple of nice fillies looking particularly strong form. She’s got plenty of early speed so I don’t see an issue with being drawn 11 (of 11) and she looks to have a good chance against the likes of Lucky Luna and the dual runner-up and likely favourite Town Queen,
Moriarty Moon (1.50) was too green to ever land a blow when last of six at Goodwood last month, but will have learnt plenty of that run and should improve. The step up to six furlongs will suit, and there should be more to come.
Alan King’s recent winner Believeitandyoucan is likely to be a warm favourite for the 2m Handicap after a good win last time out at Ascot. He’s well-drawn to follow-up but I’m looking forward to sitting on the tough and consistent mare Dance Time (2.53) upped in trip. She’s a versatile sort who ran well here over a mile and a half just a couple of weeks at Chester’s May Meeting. She’s got winning form over today’s trip and has a good draw in stall six.
The markets have spoken in favour of Palmar Bay (3.30) who is back handicapping after a couple of good efforts in listed company at Wolverhampton and Haydock. He was a winner over course and distance here last season, admittedly from a 12lb higher mark, but looks to have a good chance dropped back in grade.
I was on Evie Ross (4.05) when she sprang something of an upset last season at Chepstow, winning at 28/1, and I can hopefully see lightning striking twice this afternoon. She will strip fitter for her recent reappearance and has been dropped a couple of pounds for going down by less than four lengths. Clive’s horses are in good nick, and I think she has a much better chance than her price of 20/1 reflects.
Folk Pageant (4.38) showed a great attitude to score last time out at Newmarket and is probably my best chance of a winner in the lucky last for trainer Charlie Johnston. He’s got a progressive profile, and I think the track here will really suit. A 3lb rise is more than fair and I expect we’ll try to use the favourable draw in stall 3 and be handy throughout.
Hector Crouch Weekend Preview: Thirsk
Andrew Balding’s The Cursor was streets clear of New York Minute (5.45) last time out on the all-weather but I’m hoping the Valmont-owned 4yo can go one better in the 2m Handicap at Thirsk on Sunday. He has yet to properly translate his all-weather form to the turf but is in good form at home and should will improve for the step up in trip back to two miles.
By Hector Crouch
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