Oxagon entered the Betway Craven Stakes with a clear intention to make a statement, and he delivered a front‑running victory that underscored his rising form. The race, often seen as a key trial for the 2000 Guineas, featured a field that was noticeably thinned by the drying ground, which kept the Futurity Trophy champion Hawk Mountain and the promising Hankelow out of contention. In their absence, dual Kempton winner Hidden Force started as the 11‑10 favourite, offering a solid challenge to Charlie Appleby’s early‑season hopes.
Having not been seen since a disappointing last‑place finish behind Hawk Mountain at Doncaster in October – a race run on testing, soft ground – Oxagon arrived at Newbury as a 7‑4 shot for his seasonal debut. The colt was fitted with cheekpieces for the first time, a piece of equipment that appeared to sharpen his focus. Guided expertly by Oisin Murphy, Oxagon settled near the lead, took control of the pace, and then pulled away to win comfortably by two lengths.
John Gosden, who trains the horse alongside his son Thady, praised the performance. "After his win at Sandown last year we always had a high opinion of him, but we think we let the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster slip away," he said. "We’ll probably see the winner Puerto Rico back here in two weeks’ time." Gosden admitted that Oxagon had been a little underwhelming in the Dewhurst, noting that the colt seemed to lose momentum after being among the last to leave the starting gate.
He also reflected on a tactical error at Doncaster when the horse was entered in the Futurity on heavy ground. "The jockey was cleverer than me and pulled him up after two furlongs, allowing him to enjoy his day out," Gosden recalled. "The addition of cheekpieces has clearly focused his mind; we tried them in a piece of work and liked the way he responded." The victory adds to a busy day on Sky Sports Racing, which also featured a showdown between Zavateri and Albert Einstein in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury, as well as the start of the Spring Trials weekend. Elsewhere, Azleet emerged as a contender for the 1000 Guineas after a stunning 50‑1 upset in the Nell Gwyn Stakes, while Hollie Doyle discussed her hopes for Derby hopeful Wareeth in the Feilden Stakes.
While Gosden celebrated his second Craven win – the first coming a year earlier with Field Of Gold – the trainer still dreams of securing his elusive first 2000 Guineas triumph. Bookmakers responded to Oxagon’s win by shortening his odds to 25‑1 from 50‑1, and the connections remain optimistic. "Another Craven, we’re quite good at winning that," Gosden said. "Oisin feels it’s an open Guineas and we should go for it.
It doesn’t worry me that I’ve never won it. Everyone thinks I have sleepless nights about it, but it would be great to have a runner, so let’s enjoy the day and hope the horse is in great order." Gosden also praised the previous year’s Craven winner, noting the horse’s “phenomenal turn of foot.” He added that Oxagon is a “nice horse” who deserves a chance, even if the competition appears more straightforward this year. Across the track, dual Doncaster victor Avicenna finished second, beating fellow Godolphin runner Hidden Force. Trainer Roger Varian, who also harbours Guineas ambitions for his colt, commented on the race’s pace and the ground conditions.
"It’s a hard track to make up ground on when it rides quick and favours pace, especially when they don’t go very quick. It was a little messy early and they didn’t go overly quick and the winner is a good horse on his day," Varian said. He stressed that his horse gained valuable experience and could be aimed at Newmarket or Longchamp later in the season. Veteran sprinter Run To Freedom added another surprise win, taking the Zyn Abernant Stakes at Newmarket.
Trainer Henry Candy, who has been away from the winner’s circle for almost three years, noted the colt’s improvement after a spell in the swimming pool and work on the grass. "He got a little upset in the stalls as he always does, but he travelled beautifully through the race and when he hit the rising ground he really stretched," Candy explained.
The eight‑year‑old, who had been off the board in the Sprint Cup at Haydock and on Champions Day at Ascot, showed his true class when dropped back to Group Three level, winning by three‑quarters of a length. Run To Freedom now holds a handicap entry for next month’s Guineas meeting, but Candy believes the horse belongs back in Pattern company after shedding his recent sub‑par performances.
"He’s a gorgeous horse with huge ability and a fantastic pedigree. Unfortunately nobody has ever wanted him for stud, but he ought to get a job really," the trainer added. In another highlight, Portcullis, a son of Frankel whose dam Castle Lady won the French 1000 Guineas in 2019, delivered a spectacular debut in the Betway Wood Ditton Maiden.
Bred by the King and trained by John and Thady Gosden, the colt appeared unsettled at the start but soon found his rhythm, taking the lead a furlong out and pulling away to win by five and a half lengths at 7‑1 odds under Ryan Moore. Gosden praised the colt’s composure: "He was a little lost leaving the gate, but he picked up and travelled well.
Ryan said he found a nice rhythm and he left him alone, so there we go – there goes the handicap mark!" He cautioned that expectations should be managed, suggesting a gradual progression before tackling higher‑class races. Racing manager John Warren, who oversees the King and Queen’s horses, expressed excitement about Portcullis’s future.
He recounted how the mating plan for the colt was finalized with the late Queen Elizabeth II before her passing, and later approved by the King and Queen Camilla. "The way he ran out there indicates he should get further.
If you could paint a picture you would see him stepping up to a mile in better company and then stretching out at the end of it," Warren said. Overall, the day showcased a blend of established talent and emerging prospects, with Oxagon’s Craven win reinforcing John Gosden’s reputation for preparing horses for the season’s Classic races, while the performances of Avicenna, Run To Freedom and Portcullis highlighted the depth of quality across the British racing calendar.