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)