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Newmarket's Craven Meeting

3 minute read

This is a 3 day meeting squeezed in this year between the Grand National and Easter.

MASTER OF THE SEAS winning the Craven Stakes. Picture: Pat Healy Photography

Day 1 was Tuesday and had two important G3s:  the Earl of Sefton over 1800m and the Nell Gwyn over 1400m.

The Sefton went to Godolphin's Master of the Seas (Appleby-Buick), who won by 1 ¼ lengths over Megallan 9/4 and then there was a further 2 ¼ lengths to Brunch 12/1  Master of the Seas will now head to Royal Ascot.

The Nell Gwyn winner Cachet was the second winner of a treble for William Buick.  Trainer George Boughey feels she will be able to step up to the mile in the 1000 Guineas at the end of the month.  Almohandesah 28/1 was second home and Hello You who had beaten Cachet last year was third this time.  Cachet's price for the 1000 Guineas has been cut from 50/1 to 20/1.

Wednesday has two G3s with the Abernant Stakes over 1200m for the sprinters and the highlight of the week, the Craven Stakes, for 3yo c&g who have their eyes on the Guineas and probably further.

The Abernant sees Hugo Palmer's fast Ebro River on 9/4, with Jamie Spencer on board.  Charlie Hills saddles Garrus who is on 9/2 with Ryan Moore riding and Jane Chapple-Hyam has a lovely filly Bellosa who loves Newmarket  (unbeaten here) and should enjoy the drop in trip.

The Craven only has 6 runners but they are all interesting.  Odds-on favourite Native Trial is by Oasis Dream and is already favourite for the Guineas.  The Appleby-Buick team again.  There are two here at 10/1 – Claymore, by New Bay, who won on debut and is with Jane Chapple-Hyam and Adam Kirby has the ride, and Star of India from Aidan O'Brien's yard with Ryan Moore in the saddle.  He's by Galileo and rumoured to be very smart.