Jockey Hector Crouch has a busy weekend of Sandown this afternoon and then Haydock tomorrow ahead of two interesting books of rides. Read his exclusive thoughts in his weekly kwiff column.
Hector Crouch Weekend Preview: April 25th 2026
There were some nice winners in the week with Blessed Voyager winning on debut for the Ralph Beckett yard at Newbury on Friday. He has qualified for the Windsor Castle Stakes now, and has hopefully booked his ticket for Royal Ascot. Stablemate Cranachan made the trip to Catterick worthwhile midweek, and is another nice horse who shed the maiden tag at the third time of asking. He’s a nice horse by Cracksman and could end up being a useful stayer.
Hector Crouch Weekend Preview: Sandown
I’ve been a bit under the weather the last couple of days but have a few potentially nice rides at Sandown on Friday, and am looking forward to getting aboard Michael Bell’s Suspended Sentence (1.50) in the Mile Handicap. He won over course and distance here last year before finishing fourth when not beaten far in listed company over in France. The handicapper had his say as a result, and it will be interesting to see how he fairs on his return to action.
Sunshine Star has already been backed like a good thing in what looks a warm renewal of the 10f Maiden and it looks a nice starting place for Alma Latina (4.10) in the famous silks for Kirsten Rausing. She’s got a lovely pedigree and comes from a nice family. She could be a nice filly, and it looks a nice starting place for her.
My best chance of a winner this weekend looks to be Lost Boys (4.45) on his seasonal debut stepping up in trip for the handicap over a mile and a quarter. I liked him a lot last year as a 2yo, and he showed a great attitude to shed the maiden tag at Haydock. That form has worked out well and, given a recent sit I’ve had on him, he seems in a good nick. He would potentially like a bit more rain but an opening mark of 83 looks fair and I think he’s got a very good chance.
Hector Crouch Weekend Preview: Haydock
A nice book of rides starts with Caburn (2.35) who ran a blinder when third in listed company last month’s at Doncaster’s Lincoln meeting. He’s up 3lb for that run but shapes like he will appreciate the step up in trip and looks to have a good chance.
I think See Blue (3.45) should improve for making his turf debut after two promising runs on the all-weather. The son of Blue Point made a winning debut before second under a penalty when probably going a little hard in front. He’s probably got the most attractive profile in the race and is open to further improvement from an opening mark of 84.
There was a lot to like about Jenny Jerome (4.20) finishing second on seasonal debut and will strip fitter ahead of Haydock’s 6f Handicap. She started her since finishing strongly to stay on to finish second over the minimum trip and can hopefully go one better from a pound higher in the weights.
By Hector Crouch
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