Oxagon threw his hat into the ring for the 2000 Guineas with a commanding front-running victory in the Betway Craven Stakes. With notable absentees due to the drying ground, dual Kempton scorer Hidden Force was the 11-10 favourite. However, Oxagon, not seen since finishing last 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 with the performance.
Gosden stated, 'We had a high opinion of him after he won at Sandown last year, but he was disappointing in the Dewhurst.' The addition of cheekpieces seemed to focus Oxagon's mind, and he is now being considered for the Guineas. Bookmakers cut Oxagon's odds to 25-1 from 50-1, and connections are eager to take a chance. Meanwhile, trainer Roger Varian has Guineas ambitions for Avicenna, who finished second. Varian said, 'I'm pleased with the run, and he's worthy of being in contention for the Guineas.' Veteran sprinter Run To Freedom proved he's still a force to be reckoned with, winning the Zyn Abernant Stakes at Newmarket.
Portcullis, a son of Frankel, made a spectacular debut, carrying the colours of the King and Queen to a five-and-a-half-length victory in the Betway Wood Ditton Maiden. John Gosden said, 'He was a little lost at the start, but he picked up and travelled well.' The King and Queen's racing manager, John Warren, is excited about Portcullis's prospects, saying, 'He's really exciting, and he looks like he has got some nice aspirations ahead.'