Stormy Antarctic runs to Craven success
However, that is all now set to change thanks to the authoritative success achieved by Stormy Antarctic in the Novae Bloodstock Insurance Craven Stakes at Newmarket yesterday.
After being denied at victory at Group One level on his final start as a two-year-old in France, the son of Stormy Atlantic was sent off a 9-2 chance behind odds-on favourite Foundation.
Although keen early on, Stormy Antarctic was still seemingly full of running when moved forward from the rear of the field by George Baker to take closer order at the two-furlong pole.
With Frankie Dettori working overtime to get Foundation into contention, Baker was almost motionless as his mount cruised into a lead around a furlong out to open up an advantage he was not to surrender.
In the final climb to the line, Stormy Antarctic only needed to be pushed out to hold the John Gosden-trained runner at bay by three and a half lengths.
Following the race, the winner was cut into 12-1 for the Qipco 2000 Guineas by Paddy Power, while Ladbrokes and Corals went 14-1 and 20-1 respectively for the same race.
Foundation was eased out to 20-1 from 14-1 by Corals.
Walker said: “That was awesome, I’ve always thought the world of him but I never thought he’d win a Craven like that and beat Foundation like that.
“He’s not the most sexy work horse as he’s a very playful and exuberant horse and just does what he has to.
“I’ve never had to prepare a Guineas horse and you only dream of horses like this, these are the reasons you get up at 4.30am, for horses like him.
“I never felt we came here for minor honours and he is by far and away the best three-year-old I’ve got.”
Gosden said: “Foundation is a mile-and-a-quarter horse, he did get tired on the ground but the winner won very well.
“I’m delighted with him, and I’d like to think he’ll go for the Dante next.”
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