Oxagon threw his hat into the ring for the 2000 Guineas with a commanding win in the Betway Craven Stakes. With notable absentees due to the drying ground, dual Kempton scorer Hidden Force was the favourite, but Oxagon benefited from a controlling ride by Oisin Murphy to win comfortably by two lengths. John Gosden, who trains Oxagon in partnership with his son Thady, expressed his high opinion of the horse, citing his previous win at Sandown and a disappointing run in the Dewhurst. Gosden attributed Oxagon's victory to the addition of cheekpieces, which have focused his mind.
Bookmakers cut Oxagon's odds to 25-1 from 50-1, and connections are considering a Guineas run. Meanwhile, Roger Varian's Avicenna secured the runner-up spot, and the trainer is weighing up Guineas options. In other news, veteran sprinter Run To Freedom surprised with a win in the Zyn Abernant Stakes, and Portcullis made a spectacular debut in the Betway Wood Ditton Maiden, carrying the colours of the King and Queen to a five-and-a-half-length victory.