No horse has done the Craven Stakes and 2000 Guineas double since 2004. However, Newmarket’s Group 3 remains the most recognised trial for the opening Classic.

Seven runners have been declared for the contest, after which Newmarket’s opening meeting is names. GG tipster Joe Napier analyses the runners and suggests backing a Godolphin horse with significant potential.

2026 Craven Stakes Runners 

Hawk Mountain was game in winning both the Beresford Stakes and Futurity Trophy last season. The latter saw him break through at Group 1 level and he does not have to carry a penalty here. Both of those wins came with soft in the going description though and his breeding suggests he may be better over further. Visually, he has shaped more like a middle distance horse so far.

Both Avicenna and Hidden Force represent Godolphin. The latter is in the hands of Charlie Appleby, which may make him the number one. Both of his wins have been claimed on the all-weather, but there is more substance to Avicenna’s form. His Listed win at Doncaster was franked and he won that despite remaining green. There could be plenty more to come from Roger Varian’s charge.

Hankelow was runner-up in the Flying Scotsman Stakes that day. He subsequently won the Group 3 Autumn Stakes over course and distance and it would be no surprise if he improved between two and three.

Oxagon was highly-tried last term. His yard won this last year with a horse who was beaten twice as a juvenile. Admittedly, Field Of Gold proved much better at three, so there could be more to come from Oxagon, but he has form to overturn here and is best watched for now.

Venetian Prince would have to reverse form with Hidden Force, which looks unlikely here, while Commander’s Intent is the most exposed. Despite his consistency, he has a lot on his plate here.

2026 Craven Stakes Racecard

2026 Craven Stakes Trends 

We run through the key trends for the Craven Stakes, including one significant obstacle for the favourite to overcome…

• There has been no Irish-trained winner since 2005
• Charlie Appleby has trained three of the last seven winnners
• Three of the last five favourites have been victorious
• No horse has won at double-figure odds since 2015

2026 Craven Stakes Tips 

Hawk Mountain boasts comfortably the best form and does not have to carry a penalty despite a Group 1 success. However, he looks more a Derby type than 2000 Guineas contender and good ground over 1m might test him against genuine milers. Of the Godolphin duo, it is Avicenna who is preferred. Roger Varian’s charge ran green on both starts last season, yet remains unbeaten. He claimed the Flying Scotsman Stakes from Hankelow, who is feared most, last time out, finishing strongly and should get this distance. It seems likely he will settle better now he has matured too.

FAQs

When and where is the Craven Stakes run?

The Craven Stakes will take place at Newmarket racecourse on Thursday 16 April, 2026 at 3.35pm.

How can I watch the Craven Stakes on Thursday?

The Craven Stakes is shown live on ITV at 3.35pm on Thursday.

When were the Craven Stakes tips published?

The tips for the Craven Stakes were published at 2.05pm on Wednesday 15 April.

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