15:35 Newmarket 16 Apr 2026
Betway Craven Stakes
Group 3 | Class 1 | 3YO only
Winner £53,874 - 5 ran
made all, led narrowly, pushed along well over 1f out and forged away, ridden and kept on well final furlong, readily
chased leaders, dropped to in touch rear before halfway, pushed along 2f out, soon switched left and ran on steadily, took never dangerous second towards finish
tracked front pair, pushed along under 2f out, moved into second over 1f out, soon ridden and no impression on winner, lost a place towards finish
wore red hood to post, in rear, went fourth before halfway, pushed along approaching 2f out, stayed on one pace and hung left over 1f out
pressed leader, pushed along over 2f out, gradually weakened
Betting returns
| Type | Winnings |
|---|---|
| CSF | £11.60 (6, 1) |
| Win | £2.75 (6) |
| Place | £1.30 (6), £2.00 (1) |
| Swinger | £4.60 (1, 6) |
| Exacta | £10.90 (6, 1) |
| Trifecta | £21.20 (6, 1, 5) |
Expert Analysis
While the Craven is one of the more prominent “trials” for the Classic, recent history suggests that it is not very influential on the Group 1. Haafhd in 2004 is the last horse to complete the double, although Field Of Gold was the latest to go close last year when he followed up his win here with a slightly unlucky second in the Classic itself.
This year’s Craven Stakes was pretty uneventful, with the eventual winner making all for a straightforward success, and his main rivals failing to land a blow at any stage.
OXAGON set the standard coming into the race and didn’t have to improve in a race that he was allowed to dominate. He made virtually all in first-time cheekpieces, setting an even pace. Oisin Murphy gradually increased the tempo from halfway before quickening at the two-furlong pole and putting daylight between himself and the rest. He only had to be kept going inside the final furlong. It shows he is clearly well, but we learned little more than that, in truth. It does set the standard amongst the trials though.
AVICENNA is the one I would take out of the race as the potential improver as he did plenty wrong. He was keen early and had to be taken back, giving away vital position. In the middle of the race, he got slightly outpaced and possibly showed signs of his inexperience too. However, I liked how he finished his race, quickest of all for the final sectional. He will have learned plenty.
HIDDEN FORCE ran a similar race to his owner-mate but didn’t quite show as much at the finish. He allowed the winner to get away from him, but the gap was widening at the line rather than closing. He upheld form with Venetian Prince from Kempton, but they were closer this time.
VENETIAN PRINCE looked a little awkward when asked to quicken as he hung to his left, before straightening to finish quite well. Form with Hidden Force would suggest he is improving.
COMMANDER’S INTENT was the only one to challenge the winner in the early part of the race. Faded late on though and while he possibly had his limitations exposed, I think they will drop back in trip with him.
Video Highlights
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Replay: 15:35 Newmarket 16th Apr 2026
Previous winners
| Year | Going | Ran | Winner | Draw | Age | Weight | OR | Form | Last run | Trainer (Distance) | Jockey | SP | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Good | 9 | Field Of Gold | 6 | 3 | 9 2 | - | 3114 | 192 days | J & T Gosden (1 miles) | Kieran Shoemark | 10/ 3 | 1:39.26 |
| 2024 | Good | 7 | Haatem | 2 | 3 | 9 2 | - | 521955 | 187 days | R Hannon (134 miles) | Sean Levey | 17/ 2 | 1:35.09 |
| 2023 | Good | 7 | Indestructible | 7 | 3 | 9 2 | - | 5122 | 221 days | K R Burke (197 miles) | Kevin Stott | 8/ 1 | 1:39.78 |
| 2022 | Good | 6 | Native Trail | 5 | 3 | 9 0 | - | 1111 | 186 days | C Appleby (1 miles) | William Buick | 1/ 4 | 1:35.91 |
| 2021 | Good to Firm | 10 | Master Of The Seas | 3 | 3 | 9 0 | - | 114-2 | 49 days | C Appleby (1 miles) | William Buick | 11/ 4 | 1:38.79 |
| 2019 | Good to Firm | 8 | Skardu | 1 | 3 | 9 0 | - | 1 | 201 days | W J Haggas (1 miles) | James Doyle | 3/ 1 | 1:37.89 |
| 2018 | Good | 6 | Masar | 3 | 3 | 9 0 | - | 13136-0 | 40 days | C Appleby (1 miles) | William Buick | 7/ 2 | 1:38.15 |
| 2017 | Good to Firm | 7 | Eminent | 4 | 3 | 9 0 | - | 1 | 210 days | M Meade (138 miles) | Jim Crowley | 8/ 1 | 1:35.15 |
| 2016 | Good to Soft | 6 | Stormy Antarctic | 3 | 3 | 9 0 | - | 33112 | 165 days | E Walker (117 miles) | G Baker | 9/ 2 | 1:44.01 |
| 2015 | Good to Firm | 7 | Kool Kompany | 5 | 3 | 9 3 | - | 011265 | 181 days | R Hannon (134 miles) | Richard Hughes | 14/ 1 | 1:38.86 |
| 2014 | Good | 6 | Toormore | 1 | 3 | 9 3 | - | 111 | 214 days | R Hannon (134 miles) | Ryan Moore | EVENS | 1:35.42 |
| 2013 | Good to Firm | 4 | Toronado | 1 | 3 | 9 1 | - | 111 | 215 days | R Hannon (134 miles) | Richard Hughes | 8/ 11 | 1:35.19 |
| 2012 | Good to Soft | 12 | Trumpet Major | 12 | 3 | 9 1 | - | 021415 | 194 days | R Hannon (134 miles) | Ryan Moore | 9/ 2 | 1:37.44 |
| 2011 | Good to Firm | 6 | Native Khan | 1 | 3 | 8 12 | - | 114 | 173 days | E A L Dunlop (1 miles) | Kieren Fallon | 8/ 11 | 1:37.56 |
| 2010 | Good to Firm | 9 | Elusive Pimpernel | 6 | 3 | 8 12 | - | 112 | 173 days | J Dunlop (124 miles) | Ryan Moore | 10/ 11 | 1:37.16 |
| 2009 | Good to Firm | 7 | Delegator | 7 | 3 | 8 12 | - | 215 | 180 days | B J Meehan (138 miles) | Jamie Spencer | 4/ 6 | 1:36.56 |
| 2008 | Good | 10 | Twice Over | 9 | 3 | 8 12 | - | 11 | 166 days | Sir H R A Cecil (1 miles) | Ted Durcan | 9/ 4 | 1:38.54 |
| 2007 | Good to Firm | 9 | Adagio | 2 | 3 | 8 12 | - | 17 | 187 days | Sir Michael Stoute (1 miles) | Kerrin McEvoy | 5/ 4 | 1:35.55 |
| 2006 | Good to Firm | 9 | Killybegs | 8 | 3 | 8 12 | - | 1132 | 203 days | B W Hills (116 miles) | Michael Hills | 9/ 2 | 1:38.79 |
