Gm, Equinauts

It’s the final day of the Craven meeting and features the race it’s built around—the Group 3 Craven Stakes!

Every one calls it a Class trial, but is it? These stats says it’s not the best pointer to the Guineas winner (although we will say FIELD OF GOLD should have won last year!):

There’s a £70k minimum Placepot up for grabs on the Tote, play it here: Tote | Offers

Let’s dive in.

HEADLINE ROUNDUP

⭕THE CRAVEN

The big market mover of the day is Ballydoyle’s HAWK MOUNTAIN who is now a strong 6/4 favourite when, backed in from a lot bigger as second fave. This is a BIG market move. This lads mum, HYDRANGEA, won her Guineas before lining up in the main. Admittedly she didn’t do much that day but she did develop into a Group 1 winner.

HIDDEN FORCE has been fave all week but today’s money move has seen him pushed out slightly. Still short enough at 2’s. He is a relation to multiple Group 1 winner THUNDER SNOW and by the GOAT FRANKEL. He’s only been seen on the all weather to date but as we know by now, that doesn’t matter… think NOTABLE SPEECH!

OXAGON wins the beauty contest. He’s a gorgeous animal. Another by FRANKEL, out of a DUBAWI mare. You can write off his last run, he was always going to be a better 3yo. If this lad wins well today, Gosden will have only one thing on his mind - to go one better than last year. Better jockey on board versus last year too!

Of the rest, AVICENNA reps a dangerous cross. A STARSPANGLEDBANNER colt out of a GALILEO mare - the same cross as PRECISE. To be fair to GALILEO he nicked and crossed well with ALL sires. This lad is unbeaten and has brilliant form in the book ahead

Verdict: HAWK MOUNTAIN was ahead of OXAGON on his last start but the latter had excuses. We wouldn’t be surprised if that form was reversed given Aidan’s tendency to have horses beat at this meeting. For us it’s between HIDDEN FORCE and OXAGON and although we can’t nail one down, our gut says OXAGON. It’s a race low in numbers, high in quality and one to not miss.

🌱TOO FAST

No we’re not talking about a horse, we’re talking about the Newbury going.

CONSTITUTION HILL will NOT run in this weekend at Newbury. We kind of knew he wouldn’t and despite it being a big blow for both Newbury and his fans, it’s the right decision. We’ve seen Hendo get some stick online but lads, remember, he’s a massive NH horse. We don’t want to see him injured and there is a big old season ahead of him.

Having walked the course yesterday, Hendo said it wasn’t even a ‘close call’ and so decided not to declare him to provide punters transparency regarding his thinking.

We have to wait a little longer for the monster to reappear but connections might well be eyeing up a short trip to Longchamp on May 3rd to get their star out before having a nice summer break.

✈️NEW VENTURE

Ed Crisford is set to relocate to Dubai to take up a role as private trainer to Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, bringing an end to his successful training partnership with his father, Simon Crisford.

Based at Jebel Ali Stables, the move marks a significant shift for one of flat racings most progressive operations, which has enjoyed regular big success both domestically and internationally in recent seasons.

Since partnering up with a joint license in 2020, the Crisford partnership quickly developed into a rocket factory. Their strong record in Dubai in particular makes this move feel less like a gamble and more like a natural next step, with Crisford well placed to take advantage of the opportunities that come with a major private training position in the region.

The move also signals a broader trend within the sport, with increasing investment and influence flowing towards the Middle East and to be honest, it makes total sense.

Good luck, Ed!

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