Crockford's Dead Cert - an English Summer

The 2000 Guineas at the Curragh this afternoon must be one of the most open in years. O'Brien has a strong hand as usual with the booking of his son on Power you can see why the bookies have made him favourite with the withdrawal of Parish Hall. However, this muddling affair sees most mounts coming here off disappointing efforts or dogged by inconsistency. Power's race up the Rowley mile was to bad to believe being over 30 lengths off Camelot. Born To Sea flopped at Newmarket. Daddy Long Legs was pulled up in the Kentucky Derby. Wrote did not deliver in his last two runs. The list could go on. 

Hermival, however did do well in bad conditions at Newmarket and was just behind another french colleague and a horse in Camelot who could prove to be very special. With the French challenger marked up at 5/1 he looks interesting value. Crockfords also believes this may be one of those rare occasions where the O'Brien family may have got it wrong and would not be surprised if Daddy Long Legs creeps into the frame at around 12/1 rather than the favoured Power. In such an open affair consideration has to also be given to a Wrote who may return to form and to a strong Hannon horse in the shape of Trumpet Major.

This weeks sun has certainly brought out quality to a packed afternoon of competitive and classy contests.  Ryan Moore could be good for a four timer at Goodwood aided by some excellent bookings with Sir Michael Stoute and interestingly Grumeti for Alan King. 

The Temple Stakes at Haydock is the best renewal for some time with Bated Breath looking to repel the Irish raider Sole Power - Crockford would not be surprised if the old favourite Borderlescott also made the frame at a big price too.

Dr Marwan Koukash positively dominants the card at the Rodee and should do well with his aptly named English Summer  (5.10 Chester) this afternoon. Course winners are always worth a second look at this peculiar but loveable venue.

Crockford's Dead Cert - English Summer (Chester 5.10)

Crockford found it hard to be as certain as he usually is today - just like we can never be certain of an English Summer. Well, the sun is shinning and the twists and turns of this Cheshire course do need a horse that likes them. Dr Koukash should collect the prize money with this one today. 

Crockford's Whisper - Borderlescott (Haydock 3.00)

Borderlescott has a massive price of 28/1 for the Temple Stakes this afternoon. The trainer's whisper is that he certainly would not be surprised if he were to make the frame this afternoon.

Crockford's other gambles around the courses:

Curragh - Hermival and Daddy Long Legs (e/w) (3.15)

Haydock -  Mabaany (2.30) and Borderlescott (e/w) (3.00)

Goodwood - Opinion (2.15), Fiorente (2.45), Grumeti (3.20) and Sea Moon (4.25)

Chester - Viva Ronaldo (4.00), English Summer (5.10) and Green Park (5.45)

York - Ultimate (2.05), Brae Hill and Capatain Dimitrios (e/w) (2.35) and Cavalryman (3.10)