Oxagon has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2000 Guineas with a commanding front-running victory in the Betway Craven Stakes. With notable absentees due to the drying ground, dual Kempton scorer Hidden Force was the favorite to strengthen Charlie Appleby's potential challenge for the season's opening Classic.
Oxagon, not seen since finishing last behind Hawk Mountain in testing conditions at Doncaster, benefited from a controlling ride by Oisin Murphy to win comfortably by two lengths. Trainer John Gosden said, 'We were saying after he won at Sandown that we had a high opinion of him, and we probably let the race get away at Doncaster.' Gosden also mentioned that the addition of cheekpieces has focused Oxagon's mind, and he is happy to roll the dice for the Guineas. Bookmakers cut Oxagon's odds to 25-1 from 50-1, and connections are eager to see him take his chance in the Guineas.
Meanwhile, Avicenna beat fellow Godolphin-owned runner Hidden Force to the runner-up spot, and trainer Roger Varian has Guineas ambitions. Varian said, 'I'm really pleased, and I think our horse got a good education here today.' 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, made a spectacular debut success in the Betway Wood Ditton Maiden, carrying the colors of the King and Queen to an emphatic five-and-a-half-length victory.
John Gosden said, 'He was a little lost leaving the gate, but he picked up and traveled well.' The King and Queen's racing manager, John Warren, is excited about Portcullis's prospects, saying, 'He's really exciting, and he looks like he has got some nice aspirations ahead.'