Oxagon has emerged as a strong contender for the 2000 Guineas after claiming a decisive victory in the Betway Craven Stakes, expertly guided by jockey Oisin Murphy. The dual Kempton winner, Hidden Force, was favored to win at 11-10, but Oxagon's controlling ride and the addition of cheekpieces proved to be the decisive factors, as he won comfortably by two lengths. Trainer John Gosden, who trains Oxagon in partnership with his son Thady, expressed his satisfaction with the performance, stating, 'We had a high opinion of him, and the addition of cheekpieces has just focused his mind.' Gosden also acknowledged that Oxagon's previous performance in the Dewhurst was somewhat disappointing but attributed it to the heavy ground at Doncaster.
With Oxagon's odds now cut to 25-1 from 50-1, connections are considering a Guineas run, with Gosden saying, 'It would be great to have a runner, so let's enjoy the day and hope the horse is in great order.' Meanwhile, Roger Varian's Avicenna secured the runner-up spot, with Varian expressing his pleasure with the performance and considering Guineas ambitions, whether in the UK or France. In other racing news, veteran sprinter Run To Freedom surprised many with a victory in the Zyn Abernant Stakes, proving he still has a lot to offer. Trainer Henry Candy attributed the win to the horse's extensive work in the swimming pool and on the grass, which has helped save his legs. Additionally, Portcullis, a son of Frankel, made a spectacular debut in the Betway Wood Ditton Maiden, winning by an impressive five and a half lengths.
John Gosden, the trainer, was pleased with the performance but tempered expectations, saying, 'We'll try to keep his feet on the ground and probably look for a novice to learn.'