Glorious Goodwood & Galway Gambles on Wednesday - Frankel how Farhh?

Frankel runs tomorrow in the Sussex

The awesome Frankel has frightened off all but three rivals for his attempt at sealing a second successive Sussex Stakes win tomorrow - The question on the lips of punters is how far will he beat the Eclipse second Farhh?


Only Farhh, Gabrial and Bullet Train line up against the horse rated best in the world as he moves to gain his twelfth win. Farhh looks the only serious opponent having run Nathaniel close in the Eclipse but this a drop down to a mile this time when many would think that a longer distance would suit. Gabrial was supplemented at Royal Ascot where he failed to impress. With Bullet Train in to make the pace for his stablemate - the question is going to be by how far will Frankel win? With odds of 1/20 his victory will not make you rich - but with the prize money on offer Crockford expected more rivals to chance their arm against the wonder colt.

Noble Mission (Frankel's brother) won on a day that was good for Sir Henry Cecil and subsequently tumbled in the St Leger market as Crockford predicted from 25/1 to 10/1 in places. Cecil will not only win with Frankel tomorrow but also stands an outstanding chance of another double with Chigan (4.55).  Hughes and Hannon should also get back to winning ways with the topically named Olympic Glory in the Vintage Stakes.

The third day of the Galway Festival sees the best renewal in years of the Galway Plate. Paddy Power is offering some brilliant odds on the principle chances - Blackstairmountain  for Mullins (11/2),  Daffern Seal for the King of Galway (Weld at 11/1), Carlito Brigante for Gordon Elliott (14/1)  and Followtheplan the Aintree winner (20/1). In such a competitive race Crockford has found it hard to be confident but the Mullins horse does seem to have had a perfect prep race on the flat. Beyond the Plate Weld should do well again and may get another treble on day three of the Festival.

Crockford's Dead Cert - Olympic Glory (Glorious Goodwood 2.35)
Only beaten once in three outings and that being by the useful Bolger horse Dawn Approach at Royal Ascot, this colt should build on his win at HQ in the Group two Superlative Stakes. Hannon and Hughes will almost certainly hit gold with Olympic Glory.

Crockford's Whisper - Kalellshan (Galway Festival 3.35 e/w)
Kalellshan won on the first day of Galway Week after an interesting preparation race and is straight out again tomorrow. It certainly is not unknown for horses to run well twice at the Festival. Crockford believes that his Whisper is worth an each way gamble at 7/1.

Archer selects Romeo Montague

Archer's Selection - Romeo Montague (Glorious Goodwood 2.00)
Archer in selecting his rides was a shrewd judge of form. Romeo Montague ran well to finish third to the fancied Goodwood Cup runner Simenon at Royal Ascot and went on to win at Ascot in his next race. With those lines of form this would have been his selection.

Crockford's Glorious Goodwood Gambles:
2.00 Romeo Montague
2.35 Olympic Glory
3.10 Frankel
3.45 Goodwood Atlantis (e/w)
4.20 Arbaah
4.55 Chigan
5.30 North Star Boy (e/w)

Crockford's Galway Festival Gambles:
3.00 Ted Veale
3.35 Kalellshan (e/w)
4.10 Bondage
4.45 Three Kingdoms
5.25 Blackstairmountain, Daffern Seal (e/w) and Followtheplan (e/w)
6.00 Diplomat
6.35 Moonbi Creek (e/w) and Eighteen Summers (e/w)
7.10 Tandem

(Photograph - Frankel by RacingKel - Creative Commons)

Glorious Goodwood & Galway Gambles - Tuesday

Will Hannon & Hughes have another Glorious Goodwood?

Glorious Goodwood starts tomorrow - Crockford considers if Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes will have another Glorious Festival.  



Richard Hughes starts the Festival hoping for a hat trick of being top jockey of the meeting. As he commented to the Racing Post at the weekend, "If I ride fewer than five winners I won't feel I've had a good Glorious Goodwood". Hannon and Hughes have dominated the meeting on the South Downs for the last few years and look well placed to do so again this year with a hatful of fancied horses.

Tomorrow sees an interesting renewal of the Gordon Stakes which again serves as a useful pointer to the final classic of the season. The highly touted Michelangelo will start as favourite for the race for this season's magic combination of Gosden, Buick and the Rothschilds. If he wins as expected his current quote from Ladbrokes for the St Leger of 10/1 will tumble and the same being true of Noble Mission currently offered at 25/1 by the Magic Sign. Noble Mission however will not be a patch on his brother Frankel who is guaranteed to add another Group 1 success to his career record on Wednesday in the Sussex Stakes.

Day two of Galway week should see another profitable day for the King of Galway (Dermot Weld) who should follow up from today's treble. Weld runs horses in the last five races tomorrow at Ballybrit and is said to particularly favour the chances of Rock Critic. The second day of the Irish meeting could also see Mullins and Bolger land some prize money with their chances in the first two races and last two races respectively.

Crockford's Dead Cert - Rock Critic (5.35 Galway Festival)
Punters would be mad to not listen to Weld who says that this horse is one of his best chances of the week. As the trainer said to the Racing Post this smart horse has "shown his liking for Galway, where he has won three times". Weld is right when he says that a "horses for courses approach pays dividends". Rock Critic is a big price with this recommendation at 11/2.

Crockford's Whisper - Cai Shen (2.00 Glorious Goodwood e/w)
Having run well at Ascot in a much higher grade this Hannon/Hughes horse stands a brilliant chance of sealing a win for them in the first race of the meeting. Ryan Moore also stands an each way  chance with the other Hannon entry King Torus.

Archer selects Jacob Cats

Archer's Selection - Jacob Cats (4.50 Glorious Goodwood)
Archer would have heeded the advice of Richard Hughes (the meeting specialist). Hughes has highlighted his mount Jacob Cats as being one of his greatest chances of a win at the Festival. With that recommendation the Tinman would have looked no further for his booking.





Crockford's Galway Gambles:
4.00 Zuzka
4.30 Cooldine (e/w)
5.00 Volease de Coeurs
5.35 Rock Critic
6.10 Big Break
6.40 Moonbi Creek and Eighteen Summers (e/w)
7.10 Mona Brown and Storm Lightning (e/w)

Ron Harris and connections stand chance in last at Goodwood

Crockford's Glorious Goodwood Gambles:
2.00 Cai Shen (e/w) and King Torus (e/w)
2.35 Michelangelo
3.10 Libranno
3.45 Dominate (e/w)
4.15 World Record (e/w)
4.50 Jacob Cats 
5.25 Noverre To Go (e/w) and Hamoody (e/w)


(First Photograph - Goodwood Racecourse by Nigel Freeman - Creative Commons) 

Crockford's Galway Gambles landed at 1248/1

Weld dominates first day as predicted

Crockford's gambles land his followers 1248/1 four timer on the first day of Galway Week as Dermot Weld reigns again. 
Crockford predicted the winner of the first four races at the meeting as he warned punters that the Master of Rosewell House would start the meeting well.

4.00 Train of Thought (Dead Cert) won 9/4
4.30 Kalellshan won 7/1
5.00 Thunder Mountain (Whisper) won 3/1
5.35 Midnight Music won 11/1


(Photograph - Ballybrit Racecourse Galway by Robert Bone - Creative Commons)

Crockford's Galway Gambles - Day One

Looking through the card for the first day of Galway week, Crockford believes that it will be another good start for Dermot Weld. The master of Rosewell could well have at least a treble across the card and has made an interesting booking in Ruby Walsh to start off his campaign to be Champion trainer again.

Crockford's Dead Cert - Train of Thought (4.00)
With Ruby Walsh booked and his first attempt over hurdles this interesting runner was also highlighted as one of Weld's top five for the week in the trainer's interview with the Racing Post. All things point to the fact that this will give Dermot Weld a winning start to the Festival.

Crockford's Whisper - Thunder Mountain (5.00)
Weld believes that his runner will come on from his first run and from being gelded. As he told the Racing Post "he should come up the hill and run a good race". Again being selected by the trainer as being one of his best hands of the week, the gelding should at least run the O'Brien's with Line Drummer close.

Crockford's Galway Gambles for the first day:

4.00 Train of Thought
4.30 Teach Nua (e/w) and Kalellshan (e/w)
5.00 Thunder Mountain (e/w)
5.35 Buy Back Bob (e/w) and Midnight Music (e/w)
6.10 Fionnuar
6.40 Encrypted Message
7.10 Silver Concorde

Galway Festival - Weld domination?

Showers expected for the beginning of the Galway Festival

With the Galway Festival starting tomorrow Crockford considers if Dermot Weld will continue his domination of the meeting.


The master of Rosewell Hall has positively reigned over all others at Ballybrit having been the champion trainer twenty-seven times. Nearing an amazing 250 festival career winners, he starts the week with a runner in each race tomorrow. Weld's was hardly out of the winners enclosure last year with seventeen victories and turf aficionados will know that Weld tends to do better at the beginning of Galwayweek. On Monday he could have a particularly fruitful relationship with Pat Smullen (who in himself has had double the Festival flat winners of other jockeys). Smullen is booked to ride three of his runners; Thunder Mountain, Fastidious and Encrypted Message.  The trainer himself particularly favours two of his horses on the first day (Train of Thought and Thunder Mountain) but considering his domination in previous years it would be worth considering them all:

4.00 Train of Thought (R Walsh)
4.30 Teach Nua (P Townend)
5.00 Thunder Mountain (P Smullen)
5.35 Midnight Music (Miss J Mangan)
6.10 Fastidious (P Smullen)
6.40 Encrypted Message (P Smullen)
7.10 Silver Concorde (Mr RP McNamara)

Later in the week, Weld has Daffern Seal (12/1) and Prince Erik (33/1) for the Galway Plate and Teach Nua  (50/1) for the Galway Hurdle. Weld faces tough opposition in both feature races and would do well to be in the winners enclosure - but he has won at the Festival at long odds before.

Crockford would not bet against Weld's domination to continue and reckon's that 250 winners by the end of the week is far from being a long shot.

(Photograph - Ballybrit Racecourse Galway by Robert Bone - Creative Commons)

Hereford Racecourse (1771 - 2012)?

Hereford to hold last ever meeting on Sunday 16 December 2012

Northern Racing & Arena Leisure announced yesterday that 241 years of racing history at Hereford are to come to end this December. The shock news was accompanied by the decision that Folkestone also faces temporary closure. 

Supporters of the Hereford Racecourse immediately swung into action to try to reverse the decision with an online petition to the owners of the course Herefordshire Council and the operators Northern Racing:

www.change.org/petitions/herefordshire-council-save-hereford-racecourse

Northern racing have blamed the closure on not being able to extend the lease held with the Council (which still has 17 years to run) and on a lack of sufficient income. The local authority claimed that the announcement yesterday was the first that they had heard of the decision to close. Reasons a side Crockford believes that this is a sad day for racing with Hereford the first real victim of closure since Stockton back in 1981. Hereford has never rivalled Cheltenham or Ascot, but has held good fixtures since racing first took place in 1771. In 1983 Bregawn and Gaye Brief both had preparation races on their way to success at the Cheltenham Festival. The last fixture is planned for Sunday 16 December. Crockford plans to be in attendance but hopes that in the meantime the course gets a reprieve.

Photograph - Main Grandstand Hereford  by Jonathan Billinger (creative commons)

Is unbeaten Frankel Glorious value at 1/10?

Frankel 1/10 to repeat Sussex Stakes victory

Frankel is 1/10 with Paddy Power to repeat his Sussex Stakes victory at Glorious Goodwood next week - but is that the value in the race?

A win next Wednesday on the Sussex Downs will see Frankel seal his 12th career victory. With eight runners declared at this stage his main opposition is seen to come from the Eclipse second Farhh and Irish Guineas winner Power.   The Cecil colt is quoted as short as 1/20 with Hills. Interestingly though punters Crockford feels may find even better Glorious value for a place bet with Farhh being offered by Corals at 8/1 (but as short as 4/1 in some places) and with Paddy Power and others offering 16/1 for the Irish challenger Power.

Place bets they will have to be as they will be chasing the Glorious Frankel home for second or third. 1/10 is still better than a bank or building society will pay on your investment.

Photograph - Frankel by RacingKel (Creative Commons)

Follow Crockford on course at Ffos Las

Crockford will be at Ffos Las tomorrow evening (Tuesday 24th July). Follow his dead certs, whispers and talk of the turf from the course at Crockford@deadcerts

Danedream denies bankers treble

Danedream to return to Longchamp

The German filly Danedream returned to sensational form to beat Nathaniel in a thrilling finish to a vintage King George. Her win denied the Rothschild family a big race weekend treble.


The Rothschild's landed the Irish Oaks with Great Heavens' amazing turn of foot at the Curragh and the Grosser Preis von Berlin with the determined Meandre, but were denied by the nod of a head landing the King George & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Their Nathaniel raced to the lead in the closing stages only to be beaten on the line by the fast finishing filly and her jockey Andrasch Starke. Starke elated with Danedream's performance commented to ATR that she was "all heart" and had been below par in her last outing at Saint Cloud. Her next engagement will be back in Germany as preparation for an attempt at a repeat win in the Arc. Quoted at 6/1 with firms she will face a number of her rivals from yesterday including the second and third. The gallant second Nathaniel is also offered at around 6/1 with the Rothschild's weekend winner Meandre at 12/1.

(Photograph - Danedream returns by cgerry77, creative commons)

Crockford's Dead Cert for Irish Oaks

O'Brien trainer of Was, Twirl & Devotion

The Darley Irish Oaks presents us with the race of the season so far for middle distance three year old fillies. Trainer Aidan O'Brien has farmed the classics this season and comes to the Curragh with the Epsom Oaks winner Was and two other fillies Twirl and Devotion.  Punters would normally expect an Epsom winner to start as favourite but this afternoon O'Brien faces tough opposition from the in form  John Gosden yard with Great Heavens and his fellow countryman Dermot Weld with Princess Highway.  The ground at the course is still heavy/soft and will make this a test of stamina and determination. Crockford casts his eye over the seven strong field and will provide you with what he feels is a true Dead Cert for this afternoon at the Curragh.

Colliding Worlds
Comfortably won a Leopardstown maiden earlier this month and the owners were keen for her to take her chance at this level. However, as the trainer Edward Lynam commented to the Racing Post this was a gamble that they wanted to take and "its a big ask". Crockford agrees and feels that this will be out of her league.

Devotion
Looks like the pace horse for Was with her last run in the Sandringham at Royal Ascot. Deserves the long odds at 100/1.

Great Heavens
Gosden and Buick narrowly missed out on landing the big prize yesterday and may do so again today. The Lancashire Oaks winner was impressive in beating her rivals, but that form does not match that of others in the field. As Buick commented to ATR "she is stepping up to another league" where he will have to play an emphasis on stamina to have a chance of beating her rivals. 7/4 is far too short for that gamble.

Princess Highway
Brilliant winner of the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot and successful in the Blue Wind. This strong traveller will be fresher than many of her rivals. As Buick told ATR "Princess Highway looks very good - she will take all the beating". Pat Mullen her pilot concurred and felt that she was the best three year old filly around and said that he would not "swap  mine for any". With those recommendations Crockford had to make this his Dead Cert.

Shirocco Star
Game in defeat in the Oaks and at Royal Ascot, Hughie Morrisson has chosen to use the local knowledge of Johnny Murtagh to guide his filly home. She has strong each way claims and looks attractive at 9/1.

Twirl
Beaten in form lines and performances against others in the field. One of her best performances was at York in the Musidora against The Fugue. Crockford believes that she may lack the stamina for such a contest and will finish down the field.

Was
Beautifully bred and previously well touted, this Epsom Oaks winner was given an excellent ride to seal the Classic. Her faults will probably be exposed this afternoon by the progressive fillies in the field - one of which has already soundly beaten her at Naas in the Blue Wind. 7/2 could look big though for an favoured O'Brien horse in a classic.

Crockford's prediction of how they will finish:

1 Princess Highway (Crockford's Dead Cert)
2 Shirocco Star
3 Was


(Photograph - Aidan O'Brien by monkeywing - creative commons) 

A Royal Double and Toronado to hit Ascot?

Most eyes will be on the excellent renewal of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot but Crockford thinks that there are other gambles to follow elsewhere too. The race before (3.55 Ascot) is a competitive handicap that will attract attention alongside HM The Queen having an excellent chance of a double with Set to Music at Newmarket and Carlton House coming down in trip to line up in the Group Two at Ascot.

Today has two good summer jumping cards at Market Rasen and Cartmel. At Market Rasen Peter Bowen (who is in good form) has an excellent string of runners with Awaywiththegreys, Kian's Delight, Al Co and Ballbough Gorta. Nicky Henderson has a first today with a runner at Cartmel - Lieutenant Miller stands an excellent chance of making his first runner at the course a winner.

Crockford's Dead Cert - Set to Music (Newmarket 3.10)

With the withdrawal of Bible Belt the Irish challenger due to the ground, Crockford believes that Set to Music will return to winning ways. Behind Great Heavens at Haydock this field will not be anywhere near strong as that race. Hayley Turner is bound to get a good tune out of this royal horse.

Crockford's Whisper - Hawkeyethenoo (Ascot 3.55)

An excellent run in the July Cup behind Mayson last weekend should set this horse up for what is a competitive contest. He likes the course and has won at the distance before and must have an outstanding chance of at least making the frame at what could be double figure odds.

Archer selects Tornado

Archer's Selection - Toronado (Ascot 2.10)

Archer would have certainly agreed with Richard Hughes' analysis of his mount in 2.10 at Ascot today. Hughes claims that he expects Toronado to whip past his rivals for him and Richard Hannon in the seven furlong contest. Toronado according to the jockey could certainly be a classic contender in 2013. With such advice and confidence Archer would have looked no further for a ride.

Crockford's other gambles across the cards:

Curragh - Fionnaur (4.15)
Cartmel - Lieutenant Miller (5.25)
Ripon - Yazdi (3.40) and Ultimate (4.20 e/w) 
Market Rasen- Awaywiththegreys (2.15), Kian's Delight (2.50), Al Co (3.25), Reve De Nuit (4.00), Ballybough Gorta (4.40) and Very Stylish (5.15)
Newmarket - Set to Music (3.10), Vainglory (3.45), Hoarding (4.25) and Dark Stranger (5.35)
Ascot - Lindoro (1.35 e/w), Toronado (2.10), Carlton House (3.20), Hawkeyethenoo (3.55 e/w) and St Nicholas Abbey (4.35)

King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2012 - Race of the century?

Crockford considers the most international renewal since its beginning in 1951
Back in 1975 we were treated to what many consider to be the race of the century - where Grundy battled Bustino up the Ascot straight. Today we are served up a truly quality international fayre that includes Group One and Classic winners galore.  Could this be the race of this century?

Crockford runs his eye over the field:

Brown Panther - Ran well in last years' St Leger and got back to winning ways in his last outing at Pontefract. Priced at 33/1 he would have to improve tremendously on his past form to figure for Michael Owen and Tom Dascombe here.

Dunaden - Considered to be unlucky in his last start, the Melbourne Cup winner has been touted as having a chance of getting closer to Sea Moon and reviving his form with Craig Williams on board. Crockford can not see him figuring in the finish of this quality field and thinks he is short at 7/1

Masked Marvel - It may be the first time that a British Classic winner has ever been quoted at odds as long as 50/1. John Gosden's second string has not run up to his St Leger form yet this season but may do better today than others and the betting suggests.

Nathaniel - Last year's winner and the gallant victor of this year's Eclipse. Gosden and Buick have both been honest in their concerns that this race may have been to quick for him after his seasonal reappearance at Sandown. Back to his favourite trip he has strong chances of joining Dahlia and Swain as back to back winners. 3/1 could look good value later.

Reliable Man - In Crockford's opinion the better of the French challengers. Having won the Prix de Jockey Club (French Derby) last year he appeared to be coming back to form in his last race. He has an attractive each way price at about 25/1.

Robin Hood - Simply here to ensure a good pace for his Irish stablemate.

Sea Moon - Listening to both trainer and jockey Crockford does not share many punters confidence in this horse and feels it unlikely that this will be a sixth race win for Sir Michael Stoute. The Hardwicke winner is as short as 3/1 with the firms but should not be given Sir Michael's comments that he was "hopeful rather than confident" and for Ryan Moore to say "he would need a step forward" to beat St Nicholas Abbey - this is a big warning.

St Nicholas Abbey - Impressive last time out in The Coronation at Epsom. The O'Brien partnership would have planned preparations to perfection. Connections have learnt a lot from last year's running and the horse is a massive price at 4/1.

Danedream - This emphatic winner of the Arc disappointed in her last outing. However, that was a muddling contest in bad ground and she is capable of better. 10/1 for the German filly is attractive each way value.

Deep Brillante - The inclusion of the Japanese Derby winner makes this a truly international field. Connections claim that they have come here to win but Crockford thinks that will be difficult for the only three year old in the race. 20/1 is reasonable each way value.

Crockford predicts that this fascinating contest will see a battle up the straight to rival the 1975 renewal. 2012 will be known for Nathaniel versus St Nicholas Abbey.

1 St Nicholas Abbey
2 Nathaniel
3 Danedream


Below is the 1975 race to wet your appetite:

Brother and Sister face Irish challenge for Gosden

This weekend will see John Gosden's Nathaniel and Great Heavens face stiff challenges from Irish rivals in The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Irish Oaks. The siblings both owned by the Rothschilds come into their races off wins achieved only two weekends ago. Nathaniel fought bravely to claim the Eclipse on his seasonal return and Great Heavens pulled away from the field impressively to land the Group two Lancashire Oaks. The short break has been a concern for Gosden who told Chris Cook (Guardian) that he was "certainly rolling the dice" even though both charges are well.

On Saturday Nathaniel will face a competitive field at Ascot with Sea Moon and St Nicholas Abbey looking big dangers. St Nicholas Abbey drifted badly this week on Betfair but does look an attractive price at 7/2 on his Coronation Stakes performance. There is no doubt O'Brien will have his challenger ready and he will have the tempo he wants with the pacemaker included. Sea Moon improved from his first win this season with his victory at Royal Ascot but this would be a significant ask again.

Great Heavens who was many people's banker a couple of Saturday's ago (and Crockford's Dead Cert) has even tougher opposition in what looks a cracking Irish Oaks on Sunday. The field against her includes the Epsom Oaks winner and second (Was and Shirocco Star) and even more significantly the emphatic Ribblesdale victor Princess Highway who looks excellent value at 9/4.


Gosden has had a brilliant summer where others have floundered. However, the trainer and the Rothschild's certainly do do not have a brother and sister double to bank on this weekend - It is likely that the Irish will have the whip hand in at least one contest.

Mars - Expect a God-like performance

Tomorrow in the 2.25pm at Dundalk we have been told to expect a god like performance in equine form. Mars is the talking horse of the O'Brien camp this season and is already 12/1 joint favourite with Paddy Power for the 2013 Epsom Derby. If even half the hype is true he should brush his opponents aside with ease over the seven furlongs on the all weather track. Rivals which will include his two stablemates - Rain God and The Ferryman. Joseph O'Brien has the ride so this could be another classic partnership in the making.

"Beat them out of sight" as a four year old

Yesterday saw Richard Fahey and Paul Hanagan land their first domestic Group One with four year old Mayson's victory in the July Cup. Speaking to ATR Fahey commented that Mayson had put in "a massive performance- he beat them out of sight". Priced at 20/1 not many pundits expected this to be his first Group one success. Turning back the clock a month or so we would have expected such a superlative to be given to an Australia raider - Black Caviar. Fahey informed ATR viewers that Mayson's plans for the rest of the season could include the Nunthorpe at York, Sprint Cup at Haydock and almost certainly with the main target being the Prix de L'Abbaye at Longchamp. We wait with Bated Breath to see.

Main Sequence's unlucky Parisien adventure may not be his last venture across the channel as David Lanigan is considering options including another run in France. Another option is the possibility that he will take on Camelot again in the St Leger at Doncaster. Lanigan told ATR that all of his plans "will have next year in mind" and it was clear again from his Grand Prix de Paris run that his colt would stay further.  Joseph O'Brien also tempting mentioned that the courageous front running winner of the Grand Prix de Paris (Imperial Monarch) may also be returning as a four year old and that the Arc could this year's seasonal climax for the colt.

The Arc, QIPCO Champion Stakes and St Leger are all shaping up to be potentially mouthwatering contest and with the prospect of Main Sequence and Imperial Monarch staying on as four year olds next season could be one to savour too. Perhaps the four years olds will claim a few Group One's next year following Mayson and Frankel's example - who knows.

Market Watch - The Eye Of The Tiger

Punters would be wise to watch the markets closely for Newmarket 5.05. Barney Curley sends out The Eye of the Tiger for the last race who is currently quoted at 25/1. This Group 2 winner in Germany runs in handicap company today and could make his class pay.

July Festival Day Three - Dead Cert and Whisper

Sir Thomas Charles Bunbury 

After another night of rain at HQ we have seen the field depleted for the July and Bunbury Cups. I am sure going all the way back to the times of Sir Bunbury we probably haven't seen conditions like this at HQ in July. Today's race is run in honour of Sir Thomas Charles Bunbury (1740-1821) who was the Senior Steward to the Jockey Club who established both the 1000 and 2000 Guineas.

With Bated Breath, Libranno and Krypton Factor withdrawn and the ground being a concern for others the July Cup seems a more open contest in which outsiders like The Cheka could prove appealing. The Cheka's connections are looking forward to big run given the testing conditions at the July course. The Bunbury Cup as ever looks an open contest with Belgian Bill and Bonnie Brae being attractive each way punts.

York and Newbury both present good cards. With a tricky to call John Smiths Cup (York) and Super Sprint (Newbury) their feature races. Overseas in Paris Imperial Monarch and Main Sequence look to have excellent chances to beat the local opposition with Treasure Beach (for O'Brien) looking to raid the USA and take the Man O'War at Belmont tonight.

Crockford's Dead Cert - Maarek (3.10 Newbury)
This Irish raider can continue his excellent sprint form this season by picking up this Group 3 contest. The gelding is thriving at present.With these testing conditions Crockford feels confident of another win and has only one slight concern that Soul may run him close.

Crockford's Whisper - Crackentorp (2.25 York)
Having an excellent season so far with having just been beaten in the Northumberland Plate he is sure to run well again given the conditions and being at a track where he runs well (course winner there times).

Archer selects Bircham 

Archer's Selection -  Bircham (3.55 Newmarket)
On the Morning Line this morning the modern day great Frankie Dettori honestly told us that his best ride of the day is Bircham. Dettori informed viewers that Bircham would progress from his last race and would handle the conditions today. Archer would take such advice from a fellow champion in selecting his mount.

Crockford's other gambles around the courses:

Newmarket - Sir John Hawkwood (1.40), Maxentius (2.10), Belgian Bill and Bonnie Brae (2.40 e/w), The Cheka (3.20 e/w), Bircham (3.55) and Eye of the Tiger (5.05 e/w)
York - Crackentorp (2.25 e/w),  Navajo Chief and Mid Mon Lady (3.00 e/w), Masamah (3.35) and Orsippus (4.45)
Newbury - Mugazala (2.35), Maarek (3.10), Ceelo (e/w) and Hototo (3.50), Producer (4.55) and Raslan (5.30 e/w)
Chester - Corporal Maddox (2.50), I Love Me (3.25) and Monshak (4.00)
Longchamp - Imperial Monarch (6.50 Grand Prix de Paris)

Market Watch - Steuben (York 3.45)

Crockford has noticed this week that Steuben has held a number of entries for Barney Curley and strongly advises that punters watch any move for this horse. In Steuben's last run he was just over a length off winning which was an improvement on his other runs this season. He runs with a low weight and is currently marked up between 12-16/1. Following any move (at least each way) could prove to be profitable.

July Festival Day Two - Dead Cert and Whisper

Today as predicted Shantaram added another big race win for the Gosden/Buick partnership with the Bahrain Trophy - giving Gosden yet another St Leger option. As the rain continues the Gosden form just does not dent.

In tomorrow's Falmouth Stakes he has two strong each way chances in the form of the Royal Ascot winner Joviality and the useful Elusive Kate. Elusive Kate will be making her seasonal reappearance in the Group 1 contest after an excellent campaign at two.  The french challenger Golden Lilac will  be a warm favourite having just beaten Cirrus Des Aigles in her last start. However, Crockford would not be surprised if Gosden is somewhere near the winners enclosure again tomorrow afternoon.

Crockford's Dead Cert - City Image (2.25 Newmarket)
Hannon and Ryan Moore team up for their attempt to pick the Cherry Hinton prize. City Image is on a hat trick and should brush away rivals including Sandreamer who finished second to the Hannon two year old in their last race. Crockford believes the 9/2 on offer is gigantic value for this horse.

Crockford's Whipser - Piri Wango (1.50 Newmarket e/w)
Ger Lyons flew across to HQ today to sell one horse (which he did) and to race another (Piri Wango). The run of this horse caught Crockford's eye in the Brtiannia at Royal Ascot. The booking of Frankie Dettori matched with the form at Ascot and his race before against Ishvana in Ireland suggests a big show from him at odds of around 10/1.

Crockford's gambles for tomorrow at HQ:

1.50 Piri Wango (e/w)
2.25 City Image
3.00 Joviality (e/w) and Elusive Kate (e/w)
5.20 Prince Alzain (e/w)

July Festival Day One - Present for punters?

With the going changing from Good to Soft to Good to Soft, Soft in places trainers may again be re-examining their plans and chances for the July Festival at HQ. The ground has already troubled trainers with many hoping for a drier spell. However, the news this evening is that it has been hammering down  at course. At least one blessing must be is that it can not be as bad as it was for the last at Lingfield Park today where the hail, rain, thunder and lighting even reduced the starter to abandon the stalls and wave the flag instead for the six furlong sprint.

After what continues to be an excellent spell for Gosden the change in the ground may rally him even further support from punters - as the old adage says back a Gosden horse on Good to Soft or softer. For the first day he has a number of attractive propositions including Shantaram in the first and  Nabucco in the third race - but Crockford is looking elsewhere for his Dead Cert.

Crockford's Dead Cert - Red Cadeaux (3.00 Newmarket)
With some excellent performances to date this season Red Cadeaux is a real present for punters at around 5/2. Finishing behind the quality Sea Moon and St Nicholas Abbey in recent races he should frank that form tomorrow. Crockford notices that the big firms currently make him up at 20/1 for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes next weekend but that may well change by the end of racing.

Crockford's Whisper - Chilworth Icon (1.50 Newmarket e/w)
This consistent two year old has ran well throughout the season so far and is up against some others that have disappointed on big occasions. The whisper is that the horse will run well again tomorrow at a double figure price. Crockford believes that he will worry the judge but may be beaten by one or two who may be a cut above him - but it is worth an each way gamble.

Archer's Selection - Gabrial (4.05 Newmarket)
This potential mount caught Archer's eye when he was supplemented for the St James's Palace at Royal  Ascot where he finished fifth. Now down in grade and with Fallon on board punters should be rewarded at about 11/4 




Crockford's other selections for the first day:

1.20 Shantaram
1.50 Sir Prancealot and Chilworth Icon (e/w)
2.25 Nabucco
3.00 Red Cadeaux
3.35 Fleeting Smile and Mandeville
4.05 Gabrial

Walkover - The Sport of Kings

This evening in 9.10pm at Worcester Sam Twiston-Davies notched up his 15th winner of the season. As he entered the winners enclosure he did not do just one flamboyant flying dismount but out did Frankie Dettori by doing two.  Hi mare Moulin de la Croix trained by his father covered the last furlong well to the winning post - but that was all that she did of two and half miles as this was that rare occasion in racing nowadays - a walkover.

In this Sport of Kings, trainers, jockeys and owners are faced by what could often be called paupers prize money. The risk and danger involved in this sport we love (especially National Hunt) is not being rewarded. Tonight's walkover was designed to highlight this fact and the minimum tariff as argued for by the Horsemen's Group.

Charlie Mann led the boycott of the last race on the Worcester card leaving only the Twiston-Davies horse in to pick up the prize which is to be donated. The boycott had full support from ten other leading trainers - Phillip Hobbs, Donald McCain, Venetia Williams, Gary Moore, Alan King, David Pipe, Nicky Henderson, Evan Williams and Seamus Mullins - who like many others are frustrated with the level of prize money in the game and that the recommended tariffs are not being met.

David Roberts (Managing Director of Arena Leisure - Midlands) commented to ATR that  it was a "disappointing way to finish a day" but understood the reason for the protest and confirmed their commitment that all Worcester races would meet the tariff from next season. Many hope that others will follow this example and that a fairer balance is achieved in racing.

Successful or not in its mission, at least the £60 was still well deserved for the best turned out on the night.

Frankel and Nathaniel to end careers in the QIPCO Champion Stakes?

John Gosden mused on ATR today that Frankel and Nathaniel may finish their careers as they started them facing each other. Back in August 2010 Nathaniel finished only half a length behind the unbeaten champion in their first race at Newmarket. Since then their careers have taken separate paths with Frankel never venturing over a mile and Nathaniel become an impressive winner of both the Coral Eclipse and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. There is still a chance that the two will meet at York next month in the Juddmonte International which is likely to be Frankel's next target after a tilt at winning the Sussex Stakes again at Glorious Goodwood.  Nathaniel is entered into King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on 21 July but Gosden spoke of his concerns about the fact that the race may come too soon after what was a hard seasonal reappearance yesterday. Gosden told Matt Chapman and ATR viewers that "we are going to be watching and monitoring him daily before saying definitely".  Currently quoted at around 5/2 with some firms this news may deter some punters.

What a race the QIPCO Champion Stakes could be? If O'Brien had the courage to race Camelot this could turn out to be the race of the century. By October Gosden may have already lowered the colours of O'Brien's champion by taking away the chance of a Triple Crown with his useful and progressive Michelangelo. Gosden's horse has been attracting support for the final classic over the last few days since his recent victory.

Crockford's Dead Cert - Great Heavens wins at 11/4

Crockford not only gave you the impressive 11/4 winner of the Lancashire Oaks but also warned that  John Gosden and the Rothschild's would have an excellent afternoon. Crockford yesterday landed a second Saturday trainer treble in a row with Great Heavens 11/4, Trade Commissioner 2/1 and Nathaniel 7/2.  Crockford eclipsed other gambles in the Group 1 Sandown contest by providing strong each way whispers for Sir Henry Cecil's Twice Over who raced into third at 16/1.

Follow Crockford's July meeting Dead Certs and Whispers this week.

Will John Gosden Eclipse his rivals today?

John Gosden and William Buick have been a formidable partnership so far this season and especially in recent weeks. Beyond his well fancied Nathaniel in the Eclipse, Gosden has a host of runners across the cards at Sandown and Haydock that merit attention. Last Saturday Crockford warned you of the chances of four Hannon runners three of which obliged with the fourth being beaten in a photograph. Today he suggests you look closely at Gosden's - Great Heavens, Proof Reader, Trade Commissioner, Starscope, Nathaniel and Thimaar. These could stand as a very attractive series of combinations this afternoon. It would also be fair to say that Andrew Balding who is also in form could do well at Sandown Park with his charges and should be watched closely.


Crockford's Dead Cert -  Great Heavens (2.55 Haydock)
With Gosden in the form that he has been this progressive and well respected filly who is proven on the ground should have too much for her rivals.


Crockford's Whisper - Franciscan (3.25 Haydock e/w)
Luca Cumani certainly likes the chances of his  progressive horse in the Old Newton Cup. Crockford believes that the likely second favourite at around 7/1 would proof good each way value given Cumani's record in this race. The only slight concern is the ground.


Archer's Selection - Starscope (3.10 Sandown)
The shrewd Archer would have selected this filly as his mount given the stable form and quality seconds at Royal Ascot and in 1000 Guineas.

Crockford's other selections and gambles for this afternoon:

Sandown - Trade Commissioner (2.40), Starscope (3.10), Nathaniel and Twice Over (e/w) (3.45) and Thimaar (4.20)
Haydock - Great Heavens (2.55), Franciscan (3.25 e/w), Proofreader (4.35), Morache Music (5.10) and Sonko (5.40)
Beverley - Yorkshire Icon (1.55), Niege D'Antan (4.45) and Legal Bond (5.20)

Eclipse - The Rothschild's first prize and the others nowhere

The great unbeaten Eclipse by George Stubbs

This afternoon's Coral Eclipse looks one of the most competitive renewals for sometime. Crockford is sure that it would not have been if the legendary horse (the Sandown contest is named after) had lined up. Eclipse ran 18 times and was never extended by his rivals - as his owner claimed before one race as he placed his bet; "Eclipse first and the others nowhere". The expression in those days meant that he would beat his rivals by 240 yards - now nobody will do that today.  Eclipse was foaled during  the solar eclipse of  1 April 1764 but did not race until he was five in 1769.

The first race to be held in his memory of the horse at Sandown Park was in 1886, where the £10,000 prize was put up by Leopold de Rothschild. From its first running the race has always attracted quality entrants. Winners have included greats such as Persimmon, Mill Reef, Dancing Brave and Sea the Stars. Looking at the runners today they may not be of the same class as those mentioned. However, wouldn't be a fitting coincidence if the Rothschild's could win the prize money with their fancied Nathaniel.  This would be a continuation of their family relationship with the race as recently back in 2007 they won with Notnowcato. The second favourite may need the run but his trainer Gosden and his jockey (Buick) are in tremendous form and it is reported that he has grown and strengthened over the winter/spring.

Diamond Jubilee - Triple Crown winner?

The 1900 Triple Crown Winner - Diamond Jubilee

The unbeaten Camelot is as short as 1/4 with some firms to be the first Triple Crown winner since 1970.  Camelot's win at Epsom this year was the centrepiece of the first day of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee weekend celebrations. In this the Diamond Jubilee year will Camelot live up to the year's Triple Crown winning namesake?

In 1900 the temperamental Diamond Jubilee (sire - St Simon & dam - Perdita) secured the Triple Crown for his royal owner HRH Prince of Wales (later to be King Edward VII).  Named Diamond Jubilee due to him having been foaled in 1897 the year of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The talented but rampagious bay colt had only modest form as a two year old winning one race out of six starts.  His trainer Richard Marsh keeping faith believed that he would improve with age. Marsh also felt he had classic ability and that he would be more effective over a further as the two year old sprint races did not show his true potential.

Diamond Jubilee was an unpredictable colt with a violent nature who often delayed starts through his antics and even kicked a spectator on one occasion.   The young Herbert Jones (19) had a better relationship with him than more experienced colleagues and was to pilot him to his three classic wins. Like Camelot his first race as a three year old was in the 2000 Guineas. Diamond Jubilee followed up this win with a win again at HQ in the Newmarket Stakes before going to Epsom  as the 6/4 favourite. In winning the Derby that year he equalled the course record of his brother (the well thought of Persimmon).  His next race was in the Prince of Wales Stakes where his prohibitive weight meant that he was to lose. Then at Sandown in the Eclipse he destroyed the field with another course record in what many considered to be his best race. Before the St Leger he was up to his old tricks and it took connections twenty minutes to saddle him before he went out to win the final classic completing the Triple Crown. His last race of the season was in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket - again he played up refusing to leave the paddock before going on to finish down the field. Defeat aside he was crowned that year as the undoubted champion of England.

By the 1901 season  the Prince of Wales had become King and Diamond Jubilee was leased to the Duke of Devonshire who raced three times. As a four year old he came across an old rival Epsom Lad who had beaten him as a two year old. In each race - Prince of Wales Stakes, Eclipse and Jockey Club Stakes he was beaten by his foe. The season ending he was retired to stud.

Sport and racing tends to like coincidences - was it always meant to be that there would be a Triple Crown winner in this year of the Diamond Jubilee? May be there is something in the name and its legacy.