Quest for the Melbourne Cup

Quest for Peace next stop the Melbourne Cup?

Quest for Peace will join Mount Athos to make a strong Luca Cumani challenge for the Melbourne Cup

Punters learnt today that last year's winner Dunaden will be travelling down under to defend his crown in the Melbourne Cup. However, he is not currently the favourite amongst the Eurpoean challengers - Luca Cumani's Mount Athos is and he now looks to be joined by his useful stablemate Quest for Peace on his trip down under to Flemington. 

On Saturday Quest for Peace added to his Glorious Goodwood win by winning the March Stakes at the course and in so doing making him a genuine contender for "the race that stops a nation".  Crockford noted that his temperament and style of running will be suited by the two mile handicap and as Richard Hughes commented after his win on him "you can put him where you want and switch him off".  Match this to his evident stamina and turn off foot the 25/1 on offer with Ladbrokes for The Melbourne Cup looks good value.

Godolphin expect to send two challengers to the race; one of which may well be Saturday's Ebor winner Willing Foe who is currently only quoted for the race by WBX. The odds given by World Betting Exchange (WBX) of 86 indicate not only his chances in the race but the view of others on his likelihood to be one of the two chosen amongst options that include the Gold Cup winner Colour Vision, Lost in the Moment and Cavalryman.  Crockford thanks OddsChecker for finding him this price as he thinks that it may well tumble as the days go by and the race and quarantine come closer. 

Melbourne Cup prices with Ladbrokes - Mount Athos 12/1, Dunaden 16/1, Red Cadeaux 20/1, Quest for Peace and Colour Vision 25/1.

(Photograph - Quest for Peace before the March Stakes at Goodwood 2012 by Stuart Rice)

Richard Hughes - Will 2012 be his year?

Producer of winners: Hughes heads to weigh in after another winner

As Hughes edges ahead in the leading jockey's table with five wins this weekend -  Crockford asks could be this be his year.

Producer provided Richard Hughes his fifth winner of the weekend and 106th of the season so far. Typical of his rider's style he was produced just at the last moment to deny The Cheka in The Supreme Stakes this afternoon. The win helped edge Hughes ahead of his rivals in the jockey's table and make him 1/6 favourite to secure the title for the first time. Having narrowly lost the title race to Paul Hanagan back in 2010 many asked if his chance had gone, now the weight of those memories could be lifted with a genuine leading chance of him securing his just deserves the title of Champion Jockey.

Hughes has a brilliant ability of "nursing horses" through races, waiting with them and producing them almost effortlessly to take the lead within the final strides. Just looking back over this weekend we need look no further than his win on Wentworth at York on Friday, My Sharona at Goodwood yesterday and Producer today to prove this point. 

Hughes waits with My Sharona to ensure his third win yesterday

There are parallels in his waiting style that can be drawn with the great George Fordham who reached the zenith of his career with 165 wins in 1862. At the time Fordham was called a "genius" and "on the greatest jockeys to have ridden" - both comments worthy of Hughes 150 years on. Like the great Champion Fred Archer at 5ft10 Hughes has had to battle his weight to continue to ride.  This year Crockford believes that he will be finally rewarded for his struggle by taking the championship with probably less wins and certainly less rides than when he lost out in 2010. 

BetVictor offer Richard Hughes at 1/6 for the championship ahead of Ryan Moore and Silvestre De Sousa both at 7/1

(First Photograph - Richard Hughes heading to the Weighing Room after his victory on Producer at Goodwood by Stuart Rice)

(Second Photograph - My Sharona winning at Goodwood 25/8/12 by Stuart Rice)

Ebor Meeting Day Three - Saddler's Rock & Motivado to confirm Glorious Goodwood form

Glorious Goodwood form will point punters to the the big race winners on the final day of the Ebor Meeting.

Ever since Motivado crossed the line at Goodwood backers have favoured him to pull off another coup for Sir Mark Prescott in the Ebor. In with a low weight he has outstanding chance of claiming the one mile six furlong handicap but he will not be without competition from a host of others fancing their chances of similar coups -  Cambourne, Sense of Purpose, Hammerfest and Qahriman. Dermot Weld provides the biggest threat and is a master of landing prizes as already shown with two good winners at the meeting this week. Crockford feels with that in mind the 20/1 on offer for Sense of Purpose is worth a second look.

Saddler's Rock  showed his true credentials at Goodwood and Crockford thinks looks certain to follow up again today in the Lonsdale. He may have the most trouble from the improving Cumani horse Ibicenco who holds an interesting entry in the Melbourne Cup and who has recently undergone a change in his training regime. As Willie Mullins told Crockford on Goodwood Cup day Simenon has alreday done enough for connections this year with his Royal Ascot wins and Crocford feels he will not reverse placings with the other favoured horses.

Crockford's Dead Cert - Saddler's Rock (Lonsdale 3.05 York)
Impressive at Glorious Goodwood in the 200th Goodwood Cup. Today he will show he will be the unrivalled champion stayer this year. Crockford believes that 6/4 is a big price about this horse.

Crockford's Whisper - Arnold Lane (2.45 Goodwood e/w)
Pricewise also tips up this whisper today in the Racing Post. Crockford thinks he is right to do so as Arnold Lane's low weight and second in a competitive Glorious Goodwood contest (course and distance) makes him a very attractive each way proposition.

Crockford's Goodwood and Ebor meeting gambles:

York - Gordon Lord Byron (2.00), Guarantee (2.30), Saddler's Rock (3.05), Motivado (3.40), Fire Eyes (4.15), Bold Prediction (4.50) and Pea Shooter (5.20)
Goodwood - Sky Lantern (2.15), Arnold Lane (2.45 e/w), Chachamaidee (3.20), Beautiful Story (3.55), Quest for Peace (4.30), My Sharona (5.05) and Kashgar (5.40)

Market Watch - Steuben (6.25 Newcastle)

Crockford strongly suggests that punters watch the markets closely for any moves for Steuben in the (6.25 Newcastle). If a move is made follow it. This race looks ripe for a bounce back for this Barney Curley horse.

Ebor Meeting Day Three - Ortensia to be crowned Sprint Queen

Crockford gives his pearls of wisdom on the day that should see Ortensia crowned as the Sprint Queen in the Nunthorpe.

Ortensia won brilliantly at Glorious Goodwood and should follow up today at York in the Nunthorpe Stakes. The Australian mare will face strong opposition in the form of Bated Breath and more dangerously the progressive Pearl Secret but should have the class to beat both of them over the five furlongs of the Knavesmire. The three of them will fight out not only the finish but favouritism for the race. Crockford believes that trainer Paul Messara will be rewarded again for his bold summer UK campaign with her being crowned Queen of the Sprinters.

Pearl Secret is one of three Pearl Bloodstock horses who stand excellent chances of winning or making the frame at York. Pearl Acclaim should take the Gimcrack Stakes and Side Glance who ran well at Royal Ascot has the ability to win the Strensall Stakes for Andrew Balding.

A good card at Ffos Las also throws up some interesting propositions. Crockford has heard strong whispers for Alborz (2.10) and Lady Karinga (3.55) and is confident that Fair Along (4.30) and Prodigality (3.20)will return to winning ways.

Crockford's Dead Cert - Ortensia (Nunthorpe 3.40 York)
Crockford was very impressed with her win at Glorious Goodwood and believes that with every run in the UK she has got better. Paul Messara her trainer says this is her last run in the UK and she is bound to leave on a high.

Crockford's Whisper - Tropical Beat (2.00 York e/w)
Crockford also respects the combination of Buick and Gosden and believes that the 16/1 on offer form this gelding will look a big price come 2.10 this afternoon. Expect a big run that will see him finish in the frame.

Crockford's other gambles at York and Ffos Las

York - Tropical Beat (2.00 e/w), Pearl Acclaim (2.30), Side Glance (3.05), Ortensia (3.40), Wentworth (4.15) and The Taj (4.50)
Ffos Las - Derwent (1.40), Alborz (2.10), Gold Show (2.45), Prodigality (3.20), Lady Karinga (3.55 e/w), Fair Along (4.30) and Ultravox (5.00)

Follow Crockford on course at Ffos Las & Goodwood

Crockford on course at Ffos Las tomorrow

Follow Crockford on Twitter at Crockford@deadcerts to find out his talk from the course at Ffos Las tomorrow and  down at Goodwood this weekend

Ebor Meeting Day Two - The Fugue to be on song

Will be The Fugue be on song at York?

Tomorrow could see Gosden dominate with his fillies - The Fugue & Newfangled.

The Fugue burst back to form with an impressive turn of foot in the Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and looks well placed to follow up in the Yorkshire Oaks tomorrow. Her connections will hope that she shows the form that won her the Musidora Stakes back in the spring. Her rivals include the Oaks winner Was and the Arc second Shareta, alongside the consistent Shirocco Star.  

Newfangled (the Albany Stakes winner) runs in the (2.30) and should see off her rivals in the juvenile contest. Gosden has the possibility of a treble if his other 2-y-o Blessington follows up his Goodwood win in the first on tomorrow's card. All round it could be another good day for John Gosden.

Crockford's Dead Cert - The Fugue (Yorkshire Oaks 3.40)

Impressive at York in May and back to that form last time at Goodwood (beating a number of her rivals for tomorrow with ease) - The Fugue looks a dead cert to be on song again in the Yorkshire Oaks adding yet another big race win to Gosden's season. 

Crockford's Whisper - Navajo Chief (3.05 e/w)

Winner of the same race last year there is a strong whisper that he will make the frame again at a good price tomorrow. This season has seen some good form and he does like the Knavesmire.

Crockford's selections for day two of the Ebor meeting:

(2.00) Blessington

(2.30) Newfangled

(3.05) Navajo Chief (e/w)

(3.40) The Fugue and Shirocco Star (e/w)

(4.15) Pale Mimosa

(4.50) Whimsical

(Photograph - The Fugue & Richard Hughes before the Nassau Stakes 2012 by Stuart Rice)

Ebor Meeting Day One - Main Sequence to beat Frankel's little brother

Sir Michael Stoute runs Sir John Hawkwood

Day one of the Ebor Meeting at York will see Frankel and his little brother try to dominate affairs - but Crockford believes the unlucky Main Sequence will spoil the party.

Before Frankel takes the stage for the thirteenth time at (3.40) in the Juddmonte International Stakes his younger brother will try to bolster his St Leger claims by winning the Great Voltigeur Stakes at (3.05). Noble Mission faces stiff opposition from a field of only five rivals many of which have raced against each other on a number of occasions already this season. However, the stand out horse is the Derby second and unlucky Grand Prix de Paris fourth - Main Sequence. Crockford believes that his last run at Longchamp is one of the most unlucky he has ever seen where he was checked in running so many times it is almost impossible to count - with a clear run he would have beaten the useful Imperial Monarch and could now still claim to have only ever been beaten by the legendary Camelot. Noble Mission lacking the awesome ability of his older brother will have to settle for second place at best.

The last race on the card has also caught Crockford's attention. Sir John Hawkwood has been highly touted by his connections and won the other day after disappointing on poor ground the time before. At 7/2 this runner for Sir Michael Stoute seems a stand out bet. 

Crockford's Dead Cert - Main Sequence (Great Voltigeur 3.05)

If you ran this race five times Crockford believes that you would come up with five different seconds but you would also come up with the same first - Main Sequence. His form stands out a mile amongst his rivals and should be a worthy second favourite for the St Leger.

Crockford's Whisper - Planteur (International 3.40 e/w)

Marco Botti is in tremendous form with the recent weekend runs of Jakkalberry and Crackerjack King in the US and Joshua Tree in France. The Whisper is that the once very useful Planteur could return to form with a bang and make a place at 50/1.

Crockford York Selections:

(2.00) Tax Free

(2.30) Ebn Arab

(3.05) Main Sequence

(3.40) Frankel, St Nicholas Abbey (e/w) and Planteur (e/w)

(4.15) Olympiad

(4.50) Sir John Hawkwood

(Photograph - Sir Michael Stoute at Glorious Goodwood 2012 by Stuart Rice)

Unlucky 13 - Not For Frankel

Will connections be in the winners enclosure for the 13th time?

Frankel lines up in the Juddmonte International at York tomorrow - will his 13th race be the end of his unbeaten record? 

Connections have long held this engagement in Frankel's diary and as Sir Henry Cecil commented earlier in the season the extra two furlongs may actually see him improve. The tiny glimmer of hope that this new distance presents  for others has attracted a classier and more quality field than he faced at Glorious Goodwood. Farhh re-opposes but at a distance that suits him better, but more importantly O'Brien has a real test for the master in his challenger St Nicholas Abbey. Frankel's connections also run the useful Twice Over and the ubiquitous pacemaker Bullet Train in the race that they sponsor. With Marco Botti in such great big race form there is also some chance that Planteur will regain his form of previous seasons. In a normal race these would be worthy group one competitors but with his presence he is likely to make them look simply pedestrian. As Nick Luck said at Glorious Goodwood, "How privileged we are to be living in the time of one of the greatest"

Quoted as short as 1/8 with some firms the value looks certainly in the place bets. Ladbrokes provides the best prices with - St Nicholas Abbey 11/2, Farhh 14/1, Twice Over 20/1, Planteur 40/1 (Hills 50/1) and Sri Putra 66/1.

Crockford's prediction:

1 Frankel
2 St Nicholas Abbey
3 Planteur

Let's hope that Sir Henry will be well enough to saddle his hero and welcome him back into the winners enclosure tomorrow - if he does  there will not be a dry eye in the house.

(Photograph - Lord Grimthorpe & Tom Queally at Glorious Goodwood 2012 by Stuart Rice)

Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate Double?

Luca Cumani set for historic Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup double

Luca Cumani could be set for a historic Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup double with Afsare and Mount Athos.

The Newmarket trainer Cumani has an excellent chance of taking both of the big races down under this autumn after good runs from his horses yesterday. Mount Athos impressively won the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury and Afsare ran a gallant second in the Arlington Million last night. 

Mount Athos has been long targeted at tilt at the Melbourne Cup but before his win yesterday there were concerns about him getting in the line up. Luca Cumani commented to the Racing Post that his run yesterday "sounded like an ideal prep for Melbourne". Bet365 have made Mount Athos 12/1 to win the Flemington feature.

Afsare played up before the start of the Arlington Million last night but positively flew home down the straight to finish second behind the front running Little Mike. Afsare's  jockey Kieren Fallon after the race told the media that he was positive that "he has a big race in him" - Crockford thinks that perhaps that race is the Moonee Valley feature - the WS Cox Plate.  Bet365 offer him at 40/1 for the race.

Crockford thinks that 480/1 for a historic double does look tempting given the good showing of UK horses that we have seen recently when they go on foreign raids

(Picture - Melbourne Cup 1881 - Creative Commons)

European Million Dollar Raid - Crockford reviews the Arlington Big Race Card

Gosden runs Zuider Zee, Joviality and Colombian tonight

British and Irish trainers look to dominate  the Arlington Million card tonight with O'Brien, Botti, Simcock, Cumani and Gosden all having excellent chances. Crockford reviews the chances of the raiders in each of the big races:

American St Leger (9.14)
Botti's Jakkalberry has been made favourite for tonight's prize after good runs at Meydan and finishing fifth in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot. Looking at the field Crockford prefers the chances of Zuider Zee for Gosden at what is better value of 4/1 than the 6/5 available about Botti's challenger. The home chances seem to be led by Ioya Bigtime.

Secretariat Stakes (9.48)
If Aidan O'Brien wins with Daddy Long Legs tonight it will be his third winner of the race. Last year he won with Treasure Beach (who runs later in the Million) and this year's entry looks to put his disastrous race in the Kentucky Derby behind him. Fourth in the Irish 2000 Guineas Daddy Long Legs certainly has the makings of a third winner at around 4/1. The US favourite Silver Max will be the one to potentially spoil the party if he can seal his sixth win in a row.

Simcock runs I'm A Dreamer

Beverley D Stakes (11.02)
David Simcock and Hayley Turner stand an excellent chance of winning this fillies and mares contest with I'm A Dreamer at 13/2. I'm A Dreamer is a progressive type who may find her main challenge coming from O'Brien's  filly Up. Joviality for Gosden was disappointing last time out after her Royal Ascot win but she will try to make amends for that tonight. The US will hope that Marketing Mix can hold her own against the European fillies.

Arlington Million (11.44)
European raiders will be looking for a hat-trick of wins in the Arlington Million tonight. Crackerjack King the Italian Derby winner is the favourite of the challengers with the bookmakers after finishing fifth in the Eclipse. Connections of Treasure Beach will hope that he can regain his form of last year when he won the Secretariat Stakes here and the Irish Derby. His last race in the US was not encouraging but O'Brien still shows confidence in him  to land his first victory since running here last year. Luca Cumani runs Afsare who has been aimed at this race and comes to it off the back of a good second in the York Stakes.  Wigmore Hall will be partnered by Hayley Turner and has shown some his best form previously stateside. The American Boisterous will look to hold back the European charge.

Crockford's Arlington Card gambles:

Hayley rides I'm A Dreamer & Wigmore Hall

American St Leger - Zuider Zee
Secretariat Stakes - Daddy Long Legs
Beverley D Stakes - I'm A Dreamer
Arlington Million - Treasure Beach and Wigmore Hall (e/w)






(First Photograph - John Gosden & William Buick at Glorious Goodwood 2012 by Stuart Rice)
(Second Photograph - David Simcock at Glorious Goodwood 2012 by Stuart Rice)
(Third Photograph - Hayley Turner at Glorious Goodwood 2012 by Stuart Rice)

Owen to score on first day of the season?

Michael Owen will hope that his Brown Panther will score for him on the first day of the new season. 

Brown Panther runs in what his trainer Tom Dascombe described to Racing Plus as "an interesting little race" - The Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury this afternoon. If their horse doesn't score here he would not have missed an open goal as he will find strong opposition in the form of the St Leger winning Masked Marvel and the Melbourne Cup hopeful Mount Athos. Brown Panther ran gamely behind the top mile and a half horses in Europe last time at Ascot and won well the time before at Pontefract - up in distance today he stands a good chance of reversing last year's St Leger form with Masked Marvel. Luca Cumani commented this week that his runner (Mount Athos) would need to be at least placed to get into the field for the race down under and that being his season's aim connections will be determined on a big run today.

The Group Two Hungerford Stakes is an interesting and competitive renewal. The Newbury contest has attracted a quality field including - Strong Suit, Soul, Alanza, Libranno and Pastoral Player. These runners have all shown potential this season and Crockford can not be confident of punting success but has been impressed by the runs of the Hughie Morrison trained Pastoral Player.

Crockford's Dead Cert - Scatter Dice (3.00 Chester)
This game horse ran well last Saturday for Chantal Sutherland at Ascot in the Shergar Cup and can keep up her consistent form at Chester today. Crockford can't help but notice the form that Johnston has been in this Summer and his horse is well in today to add to the winning tally.

Crockford's Whisper - Our Jonathan (3.30 Ripon e/w)
At 14/1 this Kevin Ryan horse jumps out of the page to Crockford as an excellent each way gamble especially given the form of the horse and the pre-season confidence from the trainer. He is also drawn well against the rail with competitive handicaps like this often bringing the best out of him.

Archer selects Excess Knowledge

Archer's Selection - Excess Knowledge (2.00 Newbury)
With entries in the Racing Post Trophy and Royal Lodge and his overall aim appearing to be the 2013 Derby, Archer would certainly of been up on this colt.

Crockford's other gambles around the courses this afternoon:






Chester - White Coppice (1.50), Scatter Dice (3.00), Arnold Lane and Bible Black e/w (3.35) and Harry Trotter (5.15)
Doncaster - Spieta (2.05) and Mont Ras e/w (3.50)
Ripon - Parisian Pyramid (2.20), Jo'Burg (2.55) and Our Jonathan e/w (3.30)
Newmarket - Fleeting Smile (2.15), Witchry e/w (2.45), Galician, Poole Harbour e/w and Amadeus Wolftone e/w (3.20) and Ex Oriente (5.05)
Newbury - Excess Knowledge (2.00), Brown Panther (2.30), Pastoral Player (3.05), Jacob Cats (3.40) and Commend (4.55)
Perth - Hawkhill (3.10), Cause of Causes and Kian's Delight e/w (4.15) and Raajih (4.45)  

Follow Crockford on course at Ffos Las tomorrow

Crockford on course tomorrow

Follow Crockford on course tomorrow at Ffos Las via Twitter at Crockford@deadcerts

Crockford will provide you with his dead certs, whispers and talk from the course race by race tomorrow.

Classic Contenders at The Curragh

John Oxx runs Harasiya & Born To Sea at Curragh today

Will the Debutante and Phoenix Stakes provide us with 2013 Classic contenders at The Curragh today? 





John Oxx's Harasiya was very impressive in her two wins at Leopardstown so far and will look to the Debutante Stakes to make it a winning hat-trick this afternoon. Quoted with Ladbrokes and others at 16/1 for 2013 1000 Guineas that may look like value later today. Harasiya could provide Oxx with a quick double as Born to Sea stands a good chance of winning the Royal Whip Stakes after a valiant second in the Irish Derby.

This afternoon's Phoenix Stakes does not appear to have any superstars in it this year. O'Brien's Cristoforo Colombo is favourite with the absence of the classy Dawn Approach. Cristoforo Colombo has been beaten in good races in his last two starts but is still as short as 16/1 second favourite for the 2013 2000 Guineas. Crockford believes that not to be value and that better juveniles will make their mark later in the season.

The Champion sprinter of 2010 Starspangledbanner makes a reappearance after his unsuccessful stud retirement in the Phoenix Sprint today. If he has retained any of his former ability he should easily brush aside his rivals. The only threat to a winning seasonal debut is the filly Fire Lilly.

(Photograph - John Oxx at Glorious Goodwood 2012 by Stuart Rice)

Deauville Delight for Excelebration?

O'Brien avoided Frankel at Goodwood for today's race

Today's Prix Jacques Le Marois is a mouthwatering contest but will it provide Deauville delight for O'Brien and his horse Excelebration?

For Crockford it is clear that many of the runners today deliberately avoided a head-to-head at Glorious Goodwood with the imperious Frankel and opted for what has become the best mile race so far this year.

Who could blame Excelebration connections after he has been soundly beaten by the wonder colt on five occasions in his career and by a combined 26 lengths already this season. Punters studying this race will certainly see that it will not be a straightforward matter for O'Brien's runner as the field is replete with talent from the UK and France. John Gosden will be looking to swoop again on another big race prize and is well represented by his two fillies - the Coronation Stakes winner Fallen for You and the impressive Deauville course specialist Elusive Kate.

Crockford casts his eye over what is an impressive list of entries:

Cityscape - This comfortable Meydan winner found the 1m2f of the Eclipse too far for him in his last outing. The trainer Roger Charlton told the Racing Post he "is hopeful rather than confident" and that should reflect the view of any of his backers today.
Excelebration - Without Frankel on the scene this should be the opportunity for him to shine. Excellent throughout last season and this, he has improved for his move to O'Brien. This afternoon he should show that and add to his Gladness Stakes win.
Tin Horse - Winner at Maisons-Laffitte last time he should be outclassed by rivals today.
Indomito - This German raider ran creditably behind Frankel and Excelebration at Royal Ascot but will be further behind today.
Golden Lilac - Her May win of a Group 1 at Longchamp against Cirrus Des Aigles left her heavily touted for future success. She flopped next time out in the Falmouth and was comfortably beaten last month in the Prix Rothschild at the course by Elusive Kate. Nothing suggests she will turn that round today.
Immortal Verse - Winner of this race last year beating the mighty Goldikova having also won the Coronation Stakes that year, her first race this year was disappointing finishing last of five behind other rivals today.
Moonlight Cloud - Almost took Black Caviar's unbeaten record away from her at Royal Ascot and has won impressively since in the Prix Maurice de Gheest last weekend. This race may come to quick for her with the extra distance proving too far - strong contender though not to be written off.
Most Improved - Lived up to his name in the St James's Palace at Royal Ascot after a muddling run in the Prix du Jockey Club on his seasonal debut. Crockford feels he could still be open to more improvement and could be a threat.
Caspar Netscher - Winner of the German 2000 Guineas and the Greenham will be outclassed here today by his rivals.
Fallen for You - Good winner of the Coronation Stakes when Gosden really started to show his continuing purple patch of form. The second in that race has disappointed since and Crockford does not think this his strongest chance in the race.
Elusive Kate - Finished second on a seasonal reappearance in a good Falmouth Stakes and followed up with an excellent win at Deauville. This filly has won three times at the course and won the Marcel Bussac as a juvenile. She is a massive threat to Excelebration  and a big price at 10/1 for each way backers.

Crockford's prediction:

1 Excelebration
2 Elusive Kate
3 Moonlight Cloud

(Photograph - O'Brien looking over the card and walking the course at Glorious Goodwood by Stuart Rice)

Shergar Cup: Dettori to battle ladies for Silver Saddle

Frankie to battle for Silver Saddle

Frankie Dettori will do battle with the lady riders to win the Shergar Cup Silver Saddle today.

The Ascot specialist Dettori is quoted as favourite to be top jockey at the course today, but he faces stiff competition from the canadians Chantal Sutherland and Emma-Jayne Wilson who have a book of good rides. Dettori the Europe Team Captain looks to have a great chance of a winning start with Andrew Balding's Arabian Star in the first. The trainer has a 54% win and place strike rate in previous Shergar Cup's and his horse comes to this race with  good previous form. Elnawin Dettori's mount in the third is certainly one of the classier runners of the day and should provide Frankie with a good tally of points from the race. However, Chantal Sutherland must be looking forward to partnering the game Scatter Dice and Galician for Mark Johnston who is in excellent form. Emma-Jayne Wilson will get closer to her 1000th winner with both John Louis and Lyric Street. Crockford believes it is sure to be a close contest with the ladies and probably Emma-Jayne Wilson finishing on top in the Silver Saddle position.

Away from Ascot both HQ and Haydock will provide us some interesting prospects. The Sweet Solera at the July Course is a strong renewal with a number of entries being highly touted including Certify and Sky Lantern. Richard Fahey is particularly confident of a good run from Gabrial in the Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock who drops significantly in class after his runs in the Sussex Stakes and St James's Palace at Royal Ascot.

Crockford's Dead Cert - Gabrial (2.55 Haydock)
Crockford has been particularly interested in this colt since he was supplemented at Royal Ascot outlining the faith connections have in him. With Fahey today giving Gabrial as his best chance of the day punters should look no further for a gamble especially with attractive odds of 5/2.

Crockford's Whisper - John Louis (3.15 Shergar Cup - Ascot e/w)
Emma-Jayne Wilson is only twelve wins away from a thousand winners and this horse certainly has a good chance of helping her help close the gap. On a potential hat-trick after good Newmarket wins the threat to them may well come from another team member Hayley Turner on Balding's John Biscuit.

Archer selects Sky Lantern

Archer's Selection - Sky Lantern (3.35 Newmarket)
Having won at Goodwood and gamely in a listed race at Naas, Archer would have been impressed by her unbeaten record. Connections have the kind of faith in this attractive grey filly that would have made her Archer's selection for a ride in the race.

Crockford's gambles around the courses:

Shergar Cup Ascot - 12.55 Arabian Star,  1.30 Lyric Street and Bernie Bolt (e/w), 2.05 Elnawin and Judge n' Jury (e/w), 2.40 Scatter Dice and Fenell Bay (e/w), 3.15 John Louis (e/w) and John Biscuit (e/w), 3.50 Galician
Newmarket - 2.25 Unex El Greco, 3.35 Sky Lantern, 4.45 Perfect Heart, 5.20 Moon Trip
Redcar - 2.35 Diggory Delvet, 3.45 Jo'Burg
Haydock - 2.20 Gospel Choir, 2.55 Gabrial, 4.00 Irish History


(Photograph - Frankie Dettori with Colour Vision after Goodwood Cup 12 by Stuart Rice) 

Shergar Cup - Women to finish on top

Hayley Turner will captain Women's Team on Saturday

The Women's Team are 3/1 with Ladbrokes to top the riders table at Ascot in the Shergar Cup on Saturday - with their captain Hayley Turner 10/1 to finish as leading rider.

Hayley will be joined on Saturday by team mates Chantal Sutherland and Emma-Jayne Wilson.  Emma-Jayne will be chasing her 100th career win at the meeting and is quoted as 13/2 second favourite to be the top rider with Hills. Both Canadian jockeys have had successful recent seasons over the pond with Emma-Jayne having been the first female to have won the Canadian Classic - the Queen's Vase and Chantal having ridden over 900 winners including those on the Group one winning Game on Dude.  The model and actress Sutherland commented to the Racing Post that she was happy with her rides (including a joint favourite in the Dash) as in some " jockey challenges you can end up on crazy long-shots". Looking through the team's rides they stand an excellent chance of sealing victory over their male rival teams - GB & Ireland, Europe and the Rest of the World.

Hayley's rides -  Boogie Shoes, Bernie the Bolt, Steps, John Biscuit and Lady Gorgeous
Chantal's rides - Zero Money, Astral Thunder, Scatter Dice, Rock A Doodle Doo and Galician
Emma-Jayne's rides - Bancnuanaheirann, Lyric Street, Stone of Folca, Ruacana and John Louis

Fallon is to captain the GB & Ireland Team who are favourite with Ladbrokes to finish as the winners of the Shergar Cup at 7/4 with Frankie Dettori from the Europe team to finish as top jockey at 4/1.

(Photograph - Hayley Turner before her ride on Boom & Bust at Glorious Goodwood 2012 by Stuart Rice)

Galway Gambles - First Day Last Day Double Double?

Will the final day of the Festival see a double for first day winners - Kalellshan and Train of Thought? 


On the first day of Galway Week, Crockford warned punters of the strong whisper from Weld about his Train of Thought who duly obliged. Today he is back along with Hogan's first day victor Kalellshan to seal a second Festival success.  The King of Galway (Weld) pulled off of a mighty training performance with Rock Critic yesterday (as predicted) who won on a impressive debut over hurdles following his fourth in a competitive flat race earlier at the Festival. Train of Thought will prove today that this trick can also be performed in reverse with him running back on the flat after his hurdles success. Kalellshan looks well placed to win over fences after his win on the first day over hurdles.

Crockford's Dead Cert - Train of Thought (5.00 Galway Festival)
Weld's supreme training performance with Rock Critic yesterday will be repeated again today in reverse. His horse has good flat form and is in good form as exhibited by his first day win. If he takes his chance again today Crockford is sure that he will be in the winners enclosure adding to Weld mighty Galway Week tally.

Crockford's Whisper - Kalellshan (3.55 Galway Festival)
Hogan has trained this horse to perfection for Galway Week after a prep race on the flat before the festival. Crockford believes that he can follow his  five length hurdles win with an excellent run in today's handicap chase.

Crockford's final day gambles:
2.15 El Toreros
2.45 Rising Time
3.20 Sicilian Secret
3.55 Kalellshan 
4.25 Sweet Mystery
5.00 Train of Thought
5.30 Supernovae
6.00 Elegant Concorde

Glorious Goodwood and Galway Gambles - Has Buick made the right choice?

Buick has chosen to partner Izzi Top in the Nassau Stakes

John Gosden has two leading fancies in the Group One Nassau Stakes on the last day of Glorious Goodwood - Has his jockey Buick chosen the right one?


Following a disappointing day yesterday with Gatewood and Gregorian (pictured above), the Gosden Buick team will hope for a better show from their two leading contenders - Izzi Top and The Fugue. Gosden commented to Channel 4 on Wednesday evening that " Izzi Top would like a bit more rain and The Fugue would like it to stop". The rain has fallen over night and may well have confirmed the sense behind Buick's chose given the advice from the trainer. Crockford however feels that the raw talent of The Fugue can not be overlooked and remains impressed by the Musidora win. Izzi Top  won the Pretty Polly well in Ireland, but looking closely at the field the question has to be asked is it anywhere near as strong as those that The Fugue and Was have competed in? Another concern for punters is the dip in form of the yard notably yesterday. Perhaps the winner lies elsewhere in the field. Later today we will know if Buick's Glorious Goodwood gamble paid off or not.

The Stewards Cup is as competitive as ever but has two old favourites at good prices that have outstanding chances - Hawkeyethenoo 12/1 and Borderlescott 25/1. Both have excellent form and have run against the best sprinters in their careers. Notably Hawkeyethenoo this season with his last outing being probably a furlong too far for him to show his best.

Hannon looks to have a number of good chances today including Poole Harbour, Wentworth and Dominate. Wentworth is highly regarded and has been well touted for a winning appearance. Dermot Weld again has a strong hand for Saturday at Galway, especially interesting is Rock Critic having finished fourth in a competitive handicap earlier in the week at Galway appears for the first time over hurdles. WP Mullins has three in the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle (3.00) Sweet My Lord, Blazing Tempo and the favoured Ceol Rua. Ceol Rua has been given a nice prep run on the flat and looks well placed. Crockford spoke with Mullins (a true gentleman of the turf) at Goodwood on Thursday about his chances in the Galway Hurdle where he favoured Drive Time over Blazing Tempo (who makes an appearance again today).  It will be interesting to see how Blazing Tempo fairs today if he takes his chance.

Hannon/Hughes fancy Wentworth

Crockford's Dead Cert - Wentworth (4.30 Glorious Goodwood)
The highly regarded juvenile makes his appearance today at Glorious Goodwood. With the recommendation from the connections Crockford feels that this has to be considered a gamble worth taking.

Crockford's Whisper - Borderlescott (3.55 Glorious Goodwood e/w)
This old-timer is coming back into form and likes Goodwood. The seasoned sprinter has enjoyed competitive sprints like this before and is outstanding value at 25/1 for at least another placed effort. Hawkeyethenoo who has run well in good company this year is also worth each way consideration.

Archer selects Rock Critic

Archer's Selection- Rock Critic (2.25 Galway Festival)
Archer's eye would have been caught by the entry of Rock Critic by Weld in this race after his respectable fourth earlier in the week at the Festival. He would also have known that Weld is a man to watch and follow at Galway. With these circumstances Archer would have looked no further for his ride.





Crockford's Glorious Goodwood Gambles:
2.05 Tax Free (e/w) and Poole Harbour (e/w)
2.40 Franciscan
3.15 The Fugue
3.55 Borderlescott (e/w) and Hawkeyethenoo (e/w)
4.30 Wentworth
5.05 Dominate
5.40 Landaman and Prime Exhibit (e/w)

Crockford's Galway Festival Gambles:
2.25 Rock Critic
3.00 Ceol Rua and Blazing Tempo (e/w)
3.30 Cool Metallic
4.00 Benzoldan
4.30 Impound
5.00 One Cool Shabra
5.35 Dursey Sound

(First photograph - William Buick & Gregorian at Glorious Goodwood by Stuart Rice)
(Second photograph - Richard Hughes & Richard Hannon after Mister Music's run at Glorious Goodwood by Stuart Rice) 

Glorious Goodwood and Galway Gambles - Friday

Will foriegn raiders carry off the prizes at Glorious Goodwood today and Weld continue his domination at Galway? Crockford thinks so.

After John Oxx claimed the 200th Goodwood Cup for Ireland with the impressive Saddlers Rock could two more prizes be heading overseas today? Ortensia the Australian sprinter has her third race in England this afternoon. Her encouraging run at Newmarket pointed to the fact that her journey to the UK may have not been a wasted effort for Paul Messara. The weaker opposition today may see her succeed in the King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. The German filly Gracia Directa  and her compatriot Survey run in the Oak Tree Stakes and both stand excellent chances, especially the Moser filly after her recent British win at York.

Weld runners look again ominous at Galway. Crockford believes that he will certainly add to his tally today after what was comparatively a disapointing day for him yesterday.

Crockford's Dead Cert - Olympiad (6.50 Galway Festival)
Olympiad won in a maiden back  in April and has all the hallmarks of a Weld horse trained for a Galway win. With a topical name it loks like this has been a well planned training schedule from the master.

Crockford's Whisper - Gracia Directa (4.50 Glorious Goodwood e/w)
This German filly was immediately pointed in the direction of Glorious Goodwood after her win at York in a Group Three.  The whisper is strong that she will run well again and potentially add another Group Three to her career wins.

Archer's Selection - Gregorian (2.35 Glorious Goodwood)
Archer would have been impressed by the fom of this colt having been a runner in a number of French Classics and placed in another Group One in France at Chantilly latest. With that experience this Group Three entry would have attracted Archer's attention and selection for a ride.

Crockford's Glorious Goodwood Gambles:
2.00 Gatewood
2.35 Gregorian 
3.10 Fulbright (e/w), Bannock (e/w) and Boom and Bust (e/w)
3.45 Ortensia
4.20 Janoub Nibras and Bircham (e/w)
4.50 Gracia Directa (e/w)
5.25 Swan Song

Crockford's Galway Festival Gambles:
5.10 Code of the West
5.40 Muaanid
6.15 Carlito Brigante
6.50 Olympiad
7.25 Pale Mimosa
7.55 Stuccodor
8.25 Notable Graduate

Glorious Goodwood & Galway Gambles - 200 years of the Goodwood Cup

Crockford will be on course today to celebrate 200 years of the Goodwood Cup and will be casting his eye over a brilliant Ladies Day card and competitive Galway Hurdle.

This year's 200th renewal of the Goodwood Cup sees an excellent array of stayers competing for success on the Sussex Downs. The key to the race is Royal Ascot as the main contenders Colour Vision, Saddlers Rock and Simenon all had their last races there. Colour Vision fought out a close finish where Saddlers Rock looked dangerous and given now the change in ground in his favour he may today have the upper hand.  Mullins announced after Simenon's two Royal Ascot wins that he might even miss a day of the Galway Festival to visit Sussex - This is unheard of and Crockford thinks it will be a massive indicator if he follows this promise through. In the race after the Cup (Lillie Langtry Stakes) HM The Queen's Estimate may also prove to be a royal sweetheart, when she hopes to follow up on her Queen's Vase win.

As we start day four of Galway Week, Dermot Weld has already amassed six winners and looks good to add to his total again today. The Galway Hurdle like yesterday's Plate looks far to competitive to call with quality horses a plenty in the field. JP McManus appears to again have a strong hand and as with yesterday it is not always the most favoured who will figure the most prominently in the finish.

Crockford's Dead Cert - Yellow Rosebud (3.35 Galway Festival)
The King of Galway (Weld) warned us at the weekend that this filly was one of his strongest chances of the week. Having won earlier this season and last run in the Irish Guineas this listed contest looks well within her scope.

Crockford's Whisper - Wrotham Heath (2.15 Glorious Goodwood e/w)
Sir Henry Cecil, Tom Queally and Prince Abdulla have had an excellent Goodwood so far and this colt could continue that vein in the first on Ladies Day. Having won on Derby Day at Epsom he ran too fast at Royal Ascot to last home. Back at one mile two furlongs on good ground he looks likely to return to his form at good each way odds of around 8/1.

Archer's Selection - Saddler's Rock (3.15 Glorious Goodwood)
Archer would have admired the courage and choice of Dettori when he selected Colour Vision for the Ascot Gold Cup, but sentiment would not get in his way in choosing his ride for a big race. As an immaculate judge of form and ground he would have looked beyond the Ascot winner today and chosen the third.

Crockford's Glorious Goodwood Gambles:
2.15 Wrotham Heath (e/w)
2.45 Master of War
3.15 Saddler's Rock
3.45 Estimate and Midnight Soprano (e/w)
4.20 Botanica and Rashfa (e/w)
4.55 Arnold Lane (e/w), Shamaal Nibraas (e/w) and Campanalogy (e/w)
5.25 Harlestone Wood (e/w)

Crockford's Galway Gambles:
1.50 Force of Habit
2.25 Imperial Shabra
3.00 Font of Wisdom
3.35 Yellow Rosebud
4.10 Letherbelucky
4.50 Captain Cee Bee (e/w), Plan A (e/w) and Lexi's Boy (e/w)
5.30 Call Me Bubbles