Oxagon has emerged as a contender for the 2000 Guineas after securing a decisive win in the Betway Craven Stakes. With notable absentees due to the dry ground, Oxagon took advantage of the situation, benefiting from a well-timed ride by Oisin Murphy to claim a two-length victory. Trained by John Gosden in partnership with his son Thady, Oxagon demonstrated significant improvement with the addition of cheekpieces, which seemed to focus his mind.
The victory marks Gosden's second Craven Stakes win, following Field Of Gold's success last year. While Gosden has yet to achieve a win in the Guineas, connections are optimistic about Oxagon's chances, with bookmakers cutting his odds to 25-1 from 50-1. The season's opening Classic is expected to be competitive, and Gosden is eager to take his chance, saying, 'Oisin feels it's an open Guineas, and we should go for it.' Meanwhile, Roger Varian's Avicenna secured the runner-up spot, and the trainer is considering Newmarket or ParisLongchamp for the horse's next outing.
In other news, veteran sprinter Run To Freedom surprised many with a victory in the Zyn Abernant Stakes, proving he still has what it takes to compete at a high level. Portcullis, a son of Frankel, also made an impressive debut, winning the Betway Wood Ditton Maiden by an emphatic five and a half lengths. Bred by the King, the colt is being touted as a potential star, with racing manager John Warren expressing excitement about the horse's future prospects.