Oxagon entered the Betway Craven Stakes with a front‑running style and emerged as the winner, a performance that could sharpen the Gosden stable’s hopes for the season’s first Classic race. The field was missing two high‑profile contenders – Futurity Trophy champion Hawk Mountain and the promising youngster Hankelow – both withdrawn because the ground was too firm.
In their absence, the dual Kempton victor Hidden Force started as the 11‑10 favourite, offering a potential stepping stone for Charlie Appleby’s early‑season Classic challenge. Oxagon, who had not been seen in competition since finishing last of five behind Hawk Mountain on a testing Doncaster track in October, was offered at 7‑4 for his seasonal debut. He wore cheekpieces for the first time, a piece of equipment that seemed to sharpen his focus. Guided expertly by Oisin Murphy, Oxagon settled at the front and, after establishing a clear lead, pulled away to win comfortably by two lengths.
Trainer John Gosden, who shares the training responsibilities with his son Thady, praised the colt’s improvement. “After his win at Sandown last year we always thought highly of him,” Gosden said. “We may have let the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster slip away, but we expect to see the winner of the Puerto Rico Stakes back here in two weeks.” He added that Oxagon had been a little disappointing in the Dewhurst, noting that the horse seemed to lose momentum after being among the last to leave the starting gate.
Gosden also admitted that they had run the colt on heavy ground at Doncaster in the Futurity, a decision he now regrets, but he was grateful that the jockey pulled him up after two furlongs to avoid a harsh effort. “The cheekpieces have made a real difference,” Gosden continued. “We tried them in a piece of work and liked the way he responded – they seem to keep his mind focused.” The day’s racing card also featured several other notable events, including a showdown between Zavateri and Albert Einstein in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury, and a spring‑trial meeting that kicked off at the same venue.
In Newmarket, Azleet’s surprise 50‑1 win in the Nell Gwyn Stakes thrust the filly into 1000 Guineas contention, while jockey Hollie Doyle expressed excitement about learning more about Derby hopeful Wareeth in the Feilden Stakes. In other news, trainer Evan Williams received a three‑year prison sentence for a violent assault involving a hockey stick, a stark reminder that the racing world is not immune to off‑track controversies.
While Gosden celebrated his second Craven win – his first coming a year earlier with Field Of Gold – he remains eager for his first 2000 Guineas triumph. Bookmakers trimmed Oxagon’s odds from 50‑1 to 25‑1, reflecting growing confidence among his connections. “Another Craven win shows we know how to handle this race,” Gosden said.
“Oisin believes the Guineas will be open, and that gives us hope. It doesn’t bother me that I haven’t won it yet; everyone thinks I lose sleep over it, but I’m just enjoying the day and hoping the horse stays in top form.” Gosden also reflected on the previous year’s Craven winner, noting the horse’s “phenomenal turn of foot.” He believes Oxagon, while perhaps not as explosive, deserves a chance in the Guineas and could be a serious contender if he continues to improve. Across the track, dual Doncaster winner Avicenna finished second to the Godolphin‑owned Hidden Force, and his trainer Roger Varian hinted at Guineas ambitions for his colt, whether in England or France.
Varian praised the race’s pace, saying, “The ground was quick and favoured front‑runners, making it hard to make up ground later. The winner had the experience to control the race, and our horse gained valuable education today.” He added that Avicenna’s performance could merit a run at Newmarket or even Longchamp, noting that the Guineas landscape looks wide open this year. Veteran sprinter Run To Freedom also provided a surprise, capturing the Zyn Abernant Stakes at Newmarket at 28‑1.
Trainer Henry Candy, who has been away from the winner’s circle for nearly three years, highlighted the horse’s diligent preparation, including swimming pool work and grass gallops. “He was a bit nervous in the stalls, as usual, but once the race began he travelled beautifully and showed a real turn of foot on the rising ground,” Candy explained. He praised the colt’s soundness and hinted that Run To Freedom could aim for higher‑level pattern races after a promising showing. In a royal‑linked story, Portcullis, a son of Frankel whose dam Castle Lady won the French 1000 Guineas in 2019, debuted spectacularly in the Betway Wood Ditton Maiden.
Bred by the King and trained by John and Thady Gosden, the colt stumbled at the start but soon settled and surged ahead, winning by five and a half lengths at 7‑1 under Ryan Moore. Gosden described the performance as “a pleasing start,” noting that while the field was untested, the colt’s dominant finish was encouraging. Royal racing manager John Warren, who helped arrange the mating that produced Portcullis before Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, expressed genuine excitement about the colt’s future.
“He’s a beautiful horse with a pedigree that screams potential,” Warren said. “We’re looking at a gradual progression – perhaps a mile in better company next season – before we truly gauge his limits.” He also reflected on the personal significance of the mating plan, recalling discussions with the late Queen and the current King and Queen Camilla. Overall, the Craven meeting delivered a mix of established talent and emerging prospects, setting the stage for an intriguing run‑up to the 2000 Guineas. Oxagon’s front‑running win, combined with the optimism of trainers like Gosden, Varian, and Warren, suggests that the classic season could be full of surprises and fresh narratives for racing fans to follow.