Native Trail stretched his unbeaten record to five with an ultimately convincing win in the bet365 Craven Stakes at Newmarket.
Last year's champion two-year-old was wound up by William Buick after passing the two-furlong marker and picked up well once meeting the rising ground.
The 1/4 favourite pulled three lengths clear of Claymore (12/1) in a good time with Hoo Ya Mal back in third.
Bookmaker reaction was swift with Sky Bet, Betfair and Paddy Power all cutting the winner to 6/4 from 9/4 for the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, although the latter two firms initially went 2/1.
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'Loads of improvement to come'
Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “Watching the race I was happy throughout. Even when he came under the pump, although everyone in the stands was thinking he was under pressure, we know this horse. When he won the National Stakes, he was under the pump and then Will gave him a smack he picked up and he did in the Dewhurst as well – everyone thinks he’s in trouble and then he hits the rising ground.
“What I love about this horse is he does it all the right way round. He’s not one of those free travellers and you wonder what they’re going to find – you know when this horse gets into a battle and hits that rising ground he’s going to keep finding all the way to the line.
“I’m delighted we’ve got that run under our belt. I’m not saying there’s loads of improvement there, but his racing brain has clicked in now and we look forward to the Guineas.”
Appleby has a second Guineas contender Coroebus, who delighted in a racecourse gallop under Buick on the Rowley Mile on Wednesday morning. The Godolphin handler expects both colts to line up in the Classic, with Buick maintaining his partnership with Native Trail while James Doyle takes the ride on Coroebus.
He said: “They’re two different horses and I’d rather go into any gun fight with two guns. His Highness (Sheikh Mohammed) will be keen to run the two of them. He’s very sporting, as we’ve seen for many, many years. We’re just in a very fortunate position to have these horses. He’ll be keen to run them and I’ll be keen to run them as well, knowing that there’ll both be there in two and a half weeks’ time, hopefully in as good a condition as we can have them in.
“A couple of days ago I was sat with the jockeys and someone posed the question who would I encourage William to ride today and it would be Native Trail – there’s no doubt about it.
“But I was very pleased with how Coroebus worked this morning and he’s going to come forward again for that for sure. It’ll be hard call, but William can’t get off Native Trail. He has been tightened up as favourite for the Guineas, but I’m sure James is happy to jump on Coroebus. From the team’s point of view and Godolphin’s point of view, if they both turn up fit and well it’s going to be an exciting race and we’re very proud to be part of it.”
Jane Chapple-Hyam was thrilled with the performance of Claymore, who was beaten three and a half lengths – a margin the trainer believes will be tough to turn around.
She said: “We knew he was good and he’s got a lot still to learn. Today was really his first race and he still looks gawky and green. I think I’d swing that way (French Guineas). I’m not going to be able to turn that result around and I’d love to go to the French Guineas, so we’ll see.
“He was quite difficult to saddle and then he was shouting in the paddock, but it’s just immaturity – he’s still a big baby. I like him a lot and always have done.”
