Oxagon has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2000 Guineas with a commanding victory in the Betway Craven Stakes. The win marks a successful start to the season for the in-form Gosden team. 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.
However, Oxagon, not seen since finishing last behind Hawk Mountain in testing conditions at Doncaster in October, 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 high opinion of the horse, stating that they probably let the race get away at Doncaster but are pleased with the addition of cheekpieces, which has focused Oxagon's mind.
Gosden is still chasing an elusive first win in the Guineas, and bookmakers have cut Oxagon's odds to 25-1 from 50-1. Connections are happy to take a chance, with Gosden adding that it would be great to have a runner in the Guineas. Meanwhile, Roger Varian's Avicenna beat fellow Godolphin-owned runner Hidden Force to the runner-up spot, and Varian has Guineas ambitions, whether in the UK or France.
In other news, veteran sprinter Run To Freedom proved he is still a force to be reckoned with, winning the Zyn Abernant Stakes at Newmarket, while Portcullis carried the colors of the King and Queen to a spectacular debut success in the Betway Wood Ditton Maiden.