Oxagon Claims Craven Stakes Victory for Gosden Team

Oxagon threw his hat into the ring for the 2000 Guineas with a commanding front-running victory in the Betway Craven Stakes. The absence of prominent contenders Hawk Mountain and Hankelow, due to the drying ground, made dual Kempton winner Hidden Force the 11-10 favorite to strengthen Charlie Appleby's potential challenge for the season's opening Classic. Oxagon, not seen since finishing last behind Hawk Mountain in October, made a successful seasonal debut in first-time cheekpieces, benefiting from a controlling ride by Oisin Murphy to win comfortably by two lengths.