The Craven Stakes is the highlight of Newmarket’s midweek meeting. Seven runners go to post and we’ve analysed their chances alongside 888‘s new customer offer of Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets.
Al Mubhir (William Haggas, Tom Marquand) 12/1
First-time tongue tie goes on for William Haggas’ once-raced son of Frankel. Only appearance saw him win a maiden over 7f at Newmarket on ground that certainly looked more cut up than the official good. Did the job nicely in the closing stages with the runner-up having gone in since. The inclusion of the aforementioned headgear is a slight concern in terms of what he has done over the winter, while the form of those behind the second in his debut win is questionable at best.
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Claymore (Jane Chapple-Hyam, Adam Kirby) 10/1
Cost just £10,000 as a two-year-old, but belied that expense with a rampant maiden success over 7f at this track in October. That form has worked out well and the winning margin of four lengths could easily have been more, but for the colt’s greenness approaching the final furlong. Trainer’s record with two-year-old’s from a level stake point of view (+107.75pts in last five years) is markedly superior to other age groups, but she did have the magnificent Saffron Beach last term. Easy to see him having trained on and should stay 1m.
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Hoo Ya Mal (Andrew Balding, Marco Ghiani) 10/1
Already achieved the highest RPR of any of his six half-siblings. Third on debut on heavy ground, but impressive in York’s Convivial Maiden next time out, a race with a decent history of producing talent. Very narrowly failed to add a Listed success at Doncaster a few weeks later, so he is likely up to this sort of level. Form needs to go up a notch here, as that was a bunched finish, but did see out the 7f trip very well that day. Definite each-way prospects if the once-raced horses fail to fire.
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Kingmax (David Loughnane, Rossa Ryan) 40/1
Initially with Roger Vairan as a juvenile and finished second in both maiden starts last term. Coped better with Haydock’s soft than Newbury’s good-to-soft though had the benefit of experience for that second start. Won a Kempton novice at the start of last month for new yard and the third won in his next race, though the runner-up was beaten in a handicap off a rating 75. He is clear of them, but unlikely to mix it with this field.
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Native Trail (Charlie Appleby, William Buick) 2/5
Outstanding two-year-old in Europe last term, winning all four of his racecourse starts. Only narrowly got home in Group 2 Superlative Stakes on the July Course here after winning a Sandown maiden, then ventured over to Ireland. Beat an Aidan O’Brien trained odds-on favourite in the Group 1 National Stakes, clearing away in the closing stages and though he did not settle perfectly in the Dewhurst on the Rowley Mile, he still got the job done professionally. That said, trainer must have doubts going towards the 2,000 Guineas to insist on a run here as many winners of the first Classic go there fresh. Worth taking on at that short a price.
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Star Of India (Aidan O’Brien, Ryan Moore) 8/1
For all that Aidan O’Brien would usually prepare his horses at home in Ireland or send them straight to the 2,000 Guineas itself, it is unusual that he has never won this race. Rarely sends one of his main talking horses, though this son of Galileo, among one of that great stallion’s last crops, made a likeable impression at Leopardstown last October. Ultimately won cosily while shaping like he needed further than the 7f, a plus for this contest. May want further in time, but can be a plus to possess a little extra stamina for this race and can ask the favourite some questions.
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Zechariah (Martyn Meade, Rob Hornby) 18/1
Slow starter for Martyn Meade, not threatening the judge on either of his first two starts. Came good in fine style on third effort, however, winning by 3½ lengths at Sandown on good-to-firm ground. Followed up in a Newbury conditions event, form which has worked out well through the runner-up. That was his first start at 1m and stamina for this is more assured than his rivals, but pedigree points to him needing at least 1m2f. Therefore, this might happen a bit quick for him.
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Verdict
Native Trail is a worthy favourite for the 2,000 Guineas, but it is fair to assume he might not operate at 100% here. A defeat should by no means diminish his stature as a horse to follow this season, but he can be opposed with STAR OF INDIA, who may give Aidan O’Brien a first win in the Craven. He is more likely to be fighting fit for this and can expose any weaknesses in Charlie Appleby’s charge. Hoo YaMal could challenge for the places with his extra experience an asset over a few rivals.
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