Oxagon Claims Craven Stakes Victory, Boosting Guineas Hopes for Gosden Team

Oxagon has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2000 Guineas with a commanding front-running victory in the Betway Craven Stakes. The dual Kempton winner, Hidden Force, was the 11-10 favourite but ultimately had to settle for third place, as Avicenna took the runner-up spot. Oxagon, ridden by Oisin Murphy, benefited from a controlling ride to win comfortably by two lengths. Following the win, John Gosden expressed his high opinion of the horse, stating that they probably let the race get away at Doncaster, but are now considering a run in the Guineas. Gosden also praised the addition of cheekpieces, which he believes has focused the horse's mind. Meanwhile, bookmakers have cut Oxagon's odds to 25-1 from 50-1, and connections are happy to take a chance in the Guineas. In other racing news, veteran sprinter Run To Freedom proved he is still a force to be reckoned with, winning the Zyn Abernant Stakes at Newmarket. Portcullis, a son of Frankel, also made a spectacular debut, carrying the colours of the King and Queen to a five-and-a-half-length victory in the Betway Wood Ditton Maiden.