Hector Crouch is Salisbury bound for classic clues ahead of a busy weekend of racing. Read his exclusive preview for kwiff below.
Hector Crouch: Classic Clues at Salisbury, May 23rd 2025
There were a couple of nice winners in the week with Brize Norton scoring nicely from the front at Kempton midweek, and David O’Meara’s Ryka making a winning return at Newmarket. The latter improved for the return to some better ground, and could be a nice filly to watch over the summer for the Malton-based handler.
Saturday Rides: Son of Sarabi (4.45)
There should be similarly quick ground at Salisbury on Saturday where I go for a bumper book of ride (all credit to the agent) starting with Son of Sarabi (4.45) in the opening 5f Novice Stakes. He was narrowly denied in The Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster earlier in the spring, before disappointing in what turned out to be a hot race at Goodwood. Back in calmer waters, he should have a good chance if replicating that earlier Donny form here.
Salisbury Rides: Stanhope Gardens (5.50)
The main reason for the trip to Salisbury is to ride Stanhope Gardens (5.50) in the Conditions Stakes over a mile, with him hopefully taking this en route to a crack at The Derby. He should be winning this easy on ratings, having 25+ pounds in hands on his two rivals, and looking a very classy horse last season.
He was beaten a less behind Aidan O’Brien’s smart cold Delacroix, who is at the top of most Derby markets and has looked better than ever with wins in both the Ballysax and Derrinstown at Leopardstown already this season. I think our lad could be of a similar ilk and, after sitting on him earlier in the week, can confirm he worked very well at Ralph’s and has come on in the spring. I have high hopes for him, and hope he will pass Saturday’s test with flying colours.
Salisbury Rides: Rajeteriat (6.20)
Rajeteriat (6.20) makes his debut for the yard of Jim Boyle having ran well in maidens for former trainer Tom Clover last season. He should improve for the step up in trip to six (furlongs) and goes to post in a first time hood. Fingers crossed he has taken to life in new surroundings and shows that on the racecourse.
Salisbury Rides: Zoum Zoum (6.50)
Ralph’s Zoum Zoum (6.50) was a beaten favourite when last seen on really bad ground November Handicap day at Doncaster, but shouldn’t be written off and can be competitive in the feature Listed Cathedral Stakes.
I rode him when he was 5th in The Jersey Stakes at last year’s royal meeting, and got off him feeling the trip just stretched him a little. His optimum trip is a stiff six furlongs so he has conditions to suit at Salsibury and, with just a couple of pounds to find on the market principles, looks too big at a double figure price.
Salisbury Rides: Hunky Dory (7.20)
The maiden form of Hunky Dory (7.20) is looking increasingly better than the bare result, and he can make a splash handicapping from a lenient mark of 72. The 3yo was third behind two smart horses when I won aboard Consolidation at Kempton last September – with the winner and the second rated around the 90 mark subsequently. Through that form line, Hunky Dory should have a good chance back in calmer waters from a nice looking mark.
Salisbury Rides: Bablyon (7.50)
Babylon (7.20) was a narrow runner-up last time at Yarmouth when looking a winner in the waiting for the Harry Eustace team and should be able to go one better from a 4lb higher mark and much more exposed rivals. Fingers crossed David Gray fans are in clover at Salisbury on Saturday evening.
Salisbury Rides: Tryfan (8.20)
The ride in the last is a bit of a fact-finding mission with Tryfan (8.20) making his second start for new trainer Harry Charlton. He looked in badly need of the run on debut for the yard when last of seven last month at Epsom, but with the cobwebs blown away should strip fitter and give a much better showing.
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