Trade to miss Craven

Classic hopeful Trade Fair will not run in the Macau Jockey Club Craven Stakes on Thursday, Roger Charlton has confirmed today.

The Beckhampton trainer had expressed his concerns over fast ground for his Zafonic colt, who is 8-1 third-favourite with Coral for the Sagitta 2000 Guineas on May 3.

In a statement to PA Sport, Charlton said: “It has been decided not to run Trade Fair in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday due to the likely fast ground and continuing dry forecast.

“He had a slightly sore shin after his work this week and it makes more sense to go straight to the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

“I’m pleased with his progress and he has been working well.”

The Prince Khalid Abdullah-owned Trade Fair was one of last season’s leading juveniles and was beaten just over two lengths behind Tout Seul in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes on his final start having previously impressed in winning his maiden at Newbury.