John & Thady Gosden claimed a second successive Craven Stakes courtesy of Oxagon on Thursday. Their charge has been supported for the 2000 Guineas as a result, while the yard may have another talented individual in Portcullis. He won the Wood Ditton Maiden in the royal silks.
This is GG’s racing news today round-up for Friday.
Newmarket results: Gosdens enjoy double with talented duo
Oxagon secured the titular race of Newmarket’s Craven meeting with a commanding success on Thursday. His was a second straight Craven Stakes victory for the Gosdens as he won by two lengths over Godolphin duo Avicenna and Hidden Force. Significant non-runners in Hawk Mountain and Hankelow temper the form slightly. However, Oxagon, who was second at Group 2 level last term, has been backed for the 2000 Guineas. His best price is now 16/1 from 50/1. (Sky Sports)
Oxagon was the second winner for the yard on Thursday after Portcullis’ stellar performance earlier in the afternoon. Portcullis is owned by HM The King and stormed to glory in the Wood Ditton Maiden Stakes. Despite early greenness seeing him at the back of the ten-runner field, Ryan Moore began to get a tune out of him at halfway. Inside the final two furlongs, the race was over as he ultimately won five-and-a-half lengths. He is by Frankel out of Group 1 winner Castle Lady, and is now one to watch this season. (PA via Racing TV)
Saturday fields for Scottish Grand National and Greenham Stakes declared
Willie Mullins has declared just one runner to defend his Scottish Grand National title on Saturday. Mullins has won the race for the last two seasons with Macdermott and Captain Cody. However, with the British trainers’ title not up for grabs this season, only Road To Home will represent Closutton. The ride will nevertheless be a big one for son Patrick. He was unseated from Grangeclare West at the first fence in the Grand National last weekend. (The Sun)
Meanwhile, one last test before the 2000 Guineas is in order for Albert Einstein. The former favourite for the opening Classic of the flat season flopped on his return at the Curragh. However, after being handed a surprise entry for the race earlier this week, he was declared to run for Ballydoyle. He will take on seven rivals in his quest to get a 2000 Guineas bid back on track, including last season’s Group 1 winner Zavateri. (Racing Post)
Richard Patrick retires from the saddle
Jockey Richard Patrick has retired from riding to become assistant trainer to Clive Boultbee-Brooks. Patrick enjoyed his best days in the saddle riding for Kerry Lee. His big days included winning the BetVictor Gold Cup aboard Happy Diva and a trio of Grade 2s on board Nemean Lion. Patrick guided his final mount to finish third at Hereford on Thursday afternoon. He retires having ridden 197 winners across Britain and Ireland. (Racing Post)