Oxagon Scores Impressive Win in Craven Stakes for Gosden Team

Oxagon made a strong case for the 2000 Guineas with a dominant front-running victory in the Betway Craven Stakes. The dual Kempton winner Hidden Force was the 11-10 favorite, but Oxagon, wearing first-time cheekpieces, benefited 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 his delight with the performance, stating, 'We had a high opinion of him and probably let the race get away at Doncaster, but we'll see the winner Puerto Rico back here in two weeks' time.' Gosden also revealed that the addition of cheekpieces has focused Oxagon's mind, and he is now a contender for the Guineas. Bookmakers have cut Oxagon's odds to 25-1 from 50-1, and connections are eager to take a chance in the Guineas. Meanwhile, 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, carrying the colors of the King and Queen to a five-and-a-half-length victory in the Betway Wood Ditton Maiden. Trainer John Gosden and racing manager John Warren are excited about Portcullis's potential, with Warren stating, 'He's really exciting and looks like he has nice aspirations ahead.'