Oxagon Claims Craven Success for Gosden Team

Oxagon has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2000 Guineas with a convincing front-running victory in the Betway Craven Stakes. The dual Kempton scorer Hidden Force was the 11-10 favourite, but Oxagon, who hadn't been seen since finishing last behind Hawk Mountain 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 delight at the victory, stating that the addition of cheekpieces had focused Oxagon's mind. Meanwhile, Roger Varian's Avicenna finished second and is being considered for the Guineas, while veteran sprinter Run To Freedom proved he's still got it with a surprise victory in the Zyn Abernant Stakes. Elsewhere, Portcullis carried the colours of the King and Queen to a spectacular debut success in the Betway Wood Ditton Maiden, sparking excitement among racing fans and insiders alike.