Oxagon has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2000 Guineas with a commanding victory in the Betway Craven Stakes. The win was all the more impressive given the absence of key contenders such as Hawk Mountain and Hankelow due to the drying ground, which made Hidden Force the 11-10 favorite to bolster Charlie Appleby's challenge for the season's opening Classic. 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.
John Gosden, who trains the winner in partnership with his son Thady, expressed that they have always had a high opinion of Oxagon, and despite a disappointing run in the Dewhurst, he has trained well and the addition of cheekpieces has focused his mind. Gosden is now considering a run in the Guineas, a race he has yet to win, but feels Oxagon deserves his chance. Meanwhile, Roger Varian's Avicenna secured the runner-up spot, and Varian is pleased with the performance, indicating that Avicenna may also be considered for the Guineas, either in the UK or France. In other racing news, veteran sprinter Run To Freedom proved his mettle with a surprise victory in the Zyn Abernant Stakes at Newmarket, showing he is still a force to be reckoned with.
Additionally, Portcullis, a son of Frankel, made a spectacular debut in the Betway Wood Ditton Maiden, winning by an impressive five and a half lengths and sparking excitement about his potential future in racing.