Oxagon made a strong case for the 2000 Guineas with a convincing front-running win in the Betway Craven Stakes. The dual Kempton winner Hidden Force was the 11-10 favorite to bolster Charlie Appleby's potential challenge for the season's opening Classic, but Oxagon benefited from a controlling ride by Oisin Murphy to secure a comfortable two-length victory.
Trainer John Gosden, who trains the winner in partnership with his son Thady, expressed his delight with the win, stating that the addition of cheekpieces had focused the horse's mind. Oxagon's odds for the Guineas were cut to 25-1 from 50-1, and connections are eager to take a chance in the Guineas.
Meanwhile, Roger Varian's Avicenna finished second and also has Guineas ambitions, with the trainer considering Newmarket or ParisLongchamp as potential options.