Oxagon Secures Craven Victory for Gosden Team

Oxagon has positioned himself as a contender for the 2000 Guineas with a commanding win in the Betway Craven Stakes. The race saw notable absentees, including Futurity Trophy winner Hawk Mountain and the promising Hankelow, due to the drying ground, leaving Hidden Force as the 11-10 favourite to bolster Charlie Appleby's potential challenge for the season's opening Classic. Oxagon, having not been seen since finishing last of five behind Hawk Mountain in testing conditions at Doncaster in October, made a successful seasonal debut with first-time cheekpieces, benefiting from a controlling ride by Oisin Murphy to win comfortably by two lengths. Trainer John Gosden, who trains the winner in partnership with his son Thady, expressed that they had a high opinion of Oxagon after his win at Sandown last year but were disappointed with his performance in the Dewhurst. Gosden attributed Oxagon's improvement to the addition of cheekpieces, which have focused his mind. Following the win, bookmakers cut Oxagon's odds to 25-1 from 50-1 for the Guineas, with connections open to the possibility of participating. Meanwhile, Roger Varian's Avicenna secured the runner-up spot, with the trainer considering both Newmarket and ParisLongchamp for future races, citing the openness of the Guineas this year. In other news, veteran sprinter Run To Freedom surprised with a victory in the Zyn Abernant Stakes, proving he still has significant ability. Trainer Henry Candy attributed the win to the horse's work in the swimming pool and on the grass, as well as the uphill finish suiting him. Lastly, Portcullis, carrying the colours of the King and Queen, achieved a spectacular debut success in the Betway Wood Ditton Maiden, showing potential as a future star with an impressive five and a half length win.