Classic-winning jockey Hector Crouch rides Saturday’s hot favourite Qirat in the feature 7f Handicap on a busy day of racing this Arc Weekend.
Jockey Hector Crouch: Rumstar (1.50 Ascot)
I ride Rumstar (1.50) in Saturday’s opener, after an excellent run last time out in The Portland Handicap at Ascot. We were demoted that day (from 5th to 4th) when deemed to have caused interference, in something that seemed very harsh by the stewards’ on the day.
He was in front a furlong from home and just got tired over the unique five and a half furlongs trip. The drop back to five will suit him, and he won’t mind the ground. I was surprised to see him the rag of the field, and think he’ll run better than his current price of 12/1 suggests.
Jockey Hector Crouch: Salt Bay (2.25 Ascot)
He’s a little bit of an enigma these days, but is a horse undoubtedly laden with ability. He’s had a few niggles over the years, and is cute enough about life now but definitely has the quality to be competing amongst the likes of Al Aasy and Hamish.
The latter is laden with stamina and should relish conditions but I’ve always thought his stablemate Al Aasy was Group 1 class and would be our biggest danger on paper.
Jockey Hector Crouch: Qirat (3.35 Ascot)
The 7f Handicap looks a competitive renewal but I wouldn’t swap Qirat (3.35) for anything else in the field and think he has an excellent chance against seasoned handicappers. He should remain competitive, if he turns up in similar form from his smooth success last time out at Sandown.
The handicapper has raised him 5lb for that win, but I think there’s much more to come for a horse that has the potential to be group class. He will need to be held up as he doesn’t do a lot in front, so fingers crossed I’m able to find a safe passage and judge it right.
Jockey Hector Crouch: Queen of Moughins (4.10)
Queen of Moughins is a tough filly that has been knocking on the door all season and deserves to win a list of this ilk. She was placed in competitive races at York’s Ebor and Doncaster St Leger Festivals, and the form of both races looks strong.
Her second behind subsequent Ayr Silver Cup winner Alfa Kellenic is probably the strong in the race and she looks to have no excuses with either trip, ground or draw. We probably hit the front too soon last time in the Sceptre Stakes at Donny, and the hope is that first-time cheek-pieces can eek further improvement still.
Jockey Hector Crouch: Haymaker (4.45)
Haymaker won’t mind the ground, he’d arguably want it a little dryer perhaps, but is in good form and has been the model of consistency all season. He won a couple of nice handicaps earlier in the season, and is just 2lb higher than his last winning mark, despite an excellent second last time out at Donny. The drop back to five shouldn’t mind, and he boasts an excellent chance for the in-form yard of Hughie Morrison.
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