2017 Newmarket Craven Meeting Preview

The Craven Meeting gets underway today, at Newmarket Racecourse. This is the first meeting of the year, run on the Rowley Mile. It is also an early opportunity to take a look at horses with Classic potential. There are 3 days of action and plenty of black-type for horses to fight over. Here are the major races, that we can look forward to…

Tuesday

Feilden Stakes (Tuesday 4:05pm)

Listed Race For 3 year olds

Distance: 1,811m

Purse: 37,000 GBP

The race was first run in 1978 and was originally called the Heath Stakes. Barry Hills Hawaiian Sound was the first-ever winner. Richard Hannon’s Ventura Storm won, in 2016.

Leading Contenders: Salouen, Khaladi, Apex King

Wednesday

European Free Handicap (Wednesday 2:25pm)

Listed Race For 3 year olds

Distance: 1,408 m

Purse: 37,000 GBP

This contest is a trial for various Classic encounters in Europe, although no winner has achieved victory in the 2000 Guineas since Mystiko in 1991. Last year’s champion was Ibn Malik.

Leading Contenders: Sir Dancelot, Seven Heavens, Whitecliffsofdover

Earl Of Sefton Stakes (Wednesday 3:00pm)

Group 3 Race For 4 year olds and upwards  Distance: 1,811m

Purse: 60,000 GBP

This used to be known as the Rubbing House Stakes and it was a favourite of the late-Sir Henry Cecil, who won it 7 times. John Gosden’s Mahsoob was first past the post, in last year’s renewal.

Leading Contenders: Folkswood, Viren’s Army, Spark Plug

Nell Gwyn Stakes (Wednesday 3:35pm)

Group 3 Race For 3 year olds

Distance: 1,408m

Purse: 60,000 GBP

Established in 1961, this contest is for fillies. Famous winners include Petrushka, Speciosa, Music Show and Hot Snap. Frankie Dettori has ridden the last 3 victors, including Nathra in 2016.

Leading Contenders: Roly Poly, Pamplemousse, Sea Of Grace

Thursday

Abernant Stakes (Thursday 3:00pm)

Group 3 Race For 3 year olds and upwards

Distance: 1,207m

Purse: 60,000 GBP

Abernant was a fantastic post-war sprinter, who won a number of G1 encounters. Dick Hern’s Boldboy won it 4 times in the 1970s. Magical Memory landed the spoils for Charlie Hills, last time around.

Leading Contenders: Brando, Ornate, Tasleet

Craven Stakes (Thursday 3:35pm)

Group 3 Race For 3 year olds

Distance: 1,609m

Purse: 60,000 EUR

Sir Michael Stoute has won this race 8 times, although the last of those wins came way-back in 2007 (Adagio). Stormy Antarctic was the 2016 Champion.

Leading Contenders: Rivet, War Decree, Dream Castle

Get ready for 3 days of terrific action, at Headquarters!