Craven target for 2000
Guineas hope, Fencing
John Gosden has revealed that he intends to run his live Group 1 Qipco 2000 Guineas contender, Fencing, in the Group 3 Novae Bloodstock Insurance Craven Stakes at Newmarket on April 19, just over two weeks before the big race itself is scheduled to take place back on the Rowley Mile, on May 5, writes Elliot Slater.
John Gosden has revealed that he intends to run his live Group 1 Qipco 2000 Guineas contender, Fencing, in the Group 3 Novae Bloodstock Insurance Craven Stakes at Newmarket on April 19, just over two weeks before the big race itself is scheduled to take place back on the Rowley Mile, on May 5, writes Elliot Slater.
Fencing, generally on
offer at around 20/1 in 2000
Guineas Betting,
proved himself a smart performer last term, following a very promising
debut effort when third to the decent Entifaadha in a 20-runner
Newmarket maiden, in July. The following month he proved
two-and-a-half-lengths too good for Peter Chapple-Hyam’s, Telwaar, and
was rated value for even more by some good judges.
It was significant that
the shrewd Gosden then stepped the son of Street Cry straight up to
Group 1 company. He certainly justified his handler’s high opinion of
him in coming home third to the current Betfair
Epsom Derby favourite,
Camelot, in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster, taking a strong grip
under Jimmy Fortune in the early stages but still able to challenge
approaching the final furlong. Unable to quicken with the potentially
top class winner, the George Strawbridge-owned chestnut was far from
disgraced. He looks the type to do better with another winter behind
him.
Ideally suited by decent
ground but unlikely to be at his best on a quick surface, Fencing is
reported to be moving well on the HQ gallops. Hopes are high that he
will put up a bold show in the Craven Stakes and book himself a ticket
for the 2000 Guineas. Also quoted for the Investec Derby, Gosden has
hinted that he feels 10 furlongs rather than 12 will be the ideal trip
for his charge and that, at the moment, connections are favouring a bid
for the French Derby over the shorter trip, rather than a tilt at the
showcase Epsom contest.
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