Native Approach is bidding to become Godolphin’s latest winner of the Group 3 Craven Stakes and enhance his credentials for next month’s 2000 Guineas.
The Too Darn Hot colt broke his maiden status on the all-weather track at Kempton in February and is the sole representative for trainer Charlie Appleby, who saddled Masar, Master Of The Seas and Native Trail to victory in this in recent years.
Thursday’s 15:35 should provide a useful form line for 2000 Guineas favourite City Of Troy’s handler Aidan O’Brien because the Ballydoyle master sends over Cambridge.
French trainer Andre Fabre sends Alcantor across the English Channel and the son of New Bay brings, arguably, the best level of form to the table after capping off his juvenile campaign with a second place in the Group 1 Criterium International.
Dewhurst third Eben Shaddad could prove dangerous while the unknown quantity in the field is Sons And Lovers, who won at Newmarket on his only career start last year. Haatem was highly tried as a juvenile and could only finish fifth in the Dewhurst on his last outing, while Champagne Prince might be out of his depth despite being two from two.
The latest Craven Stakes odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.
Craven Stakes verdict
Timeform: This looks a cracking renewal. EBEN SHADDAD sets a good standard on his Dewhurst third and there should be more to come this year so he’s preferred to French raider Alcantor, another with Group 1 form in the book, and Godolphin’s Native Approach.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Craven Stakes runners and riders
The following horses have been declared for the Craven Stakes 2024.
Alcantor
Trainer: A. Fabre Jockey: Alexis Pouchin Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 5
Smart 3-time winner in France, notably a 1m Group 3 at Saint-Cloud. Good ½-length second of 7 to Sunway in Criterium International there (1m again) final start. Yard’s British runners always merit respect.
****
Cambridge
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: Ryan Moore Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 1
Dubawi colt who confirmed debut promise in determined fashion when landing 12-runner Salisbury novice (1m) in September. Very useful effort when 4¼ lengths second to stablemate in Leopardstown Group 3 the following month. Likely capable of better again.
****
Champagne Prince
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam Jockey: David Egan Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 4
Looked a useful prospect when winning a pair of 7f AW novices in 2023. More to come but he’ll need a big chunk of improvement to stretch his unbeaten record to 3.
**
Eben Shaddad
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Jockey: Kieran Shoemark Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 6
Impressive debut winner on July Course and placed in the Tattersalls and Dewhurst over 7f here in the autumn. Smart effort when 4½ lengths third of 8 to City of Troy latterly and that sets the standard here. Hooded first-time on return.
*****
Haatem
Trainer: Richard Hannon Jockey: Sean Levey Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 2
Group 2 winner at 2 but his form was no better than useful and he finished 4 lengths behind the reopposing Eben Shaddad when fifth in the Dewhurst on final start. Others are preferred.
**
Native Approach
Trainer: Charlie Appleby Jockey: William Buick Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 7
Built on his promising 7f Kempton debut when readily going one better over 1m there 3 weeks later. Has the potential for significant improvement for a top stable which does well in this race.
****
Sons And Lovers
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam Jockey: Luke Morris Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 3
Sprung a 33/1 surprise on his 7f course debut in October, overcoming greenness to lead close home (plenty of winners in behind). Looks sure to improve but this is a big ask.
**
Today’s Racing Tips
- Matt Chapman’s ITV Racing tips for Cheltenham and Newmarket on Thursday
- Timeform’s Newmarket tips for Thursday including a 5/1 pick
- Jason Weaver’s ITV Racing tips for Newmarket on Thursday
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