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, who trains the winner in partnership with his son Thady, expressed his high opinion of Oxagon, citing his previous performances and the decision to add cheekpieces to focus his mind. The victory marked Gosden's second Craven win, following Field Of Gold's success 12 months ago, and has led bookmakers to cut Oxagon's odds to 25-1 from 50-1 for the Guineas.
Meanwhile, Roger Varian's Avicenna secured the runner-up spot, with the trainer considering the Guineas as a potential target. Elsewhere, veteran sprinter Run To Freedom surprised with a victory in the Zyn Abernant Stakes, while Portcullis, carrying the colours of the King and Queen, made a spectacular debut in the Betway Wood Ditton Maiden, sparking excitement about his potential.