Oxagon Claims Craven Stakes Victory, Boosting Guineas Hopes

Oxagon has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2000 Guineas with a commanding front-running victory in the Betway Craven Stakes. The dual Kempton winner Hidden Force was the 11-10 favourite, but Oxagon, donning first-time cheekpieces, benefited from a controlling ride by Oisin Murphy to win comfortably by two lengths. Trainer John Gosden expressed his delight with the performance, stating that Oxagon has trained well and the addition of cheekpieces has focused his mind. Following this win, bookmakers have cut Oxagon's odds to 25-1 from 50-1 for the Guineas, and connections are considering rolling the dice. Gosden mentioned that while Oxagon deserves to take his chance in the Guineas, it's not a straightforward decision, and they will enjoy the day and hope the horse is in great order. Meanwhile, Roger Varian, trainer of the runner-up Avicenna, is pleased with his horse's performance and is considering the Guineas, either in the UK or France, as a potential target. 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, a son of Frankel, made a spectacular debut, winning the Betway Wood Ditton Maiden by an impressive five and a half lengths.