cRAVEN STAKES

SKARDU emerged as a leading 2000 Guineas contender for William Haggas after he came with a sustained run on the outside to take the Group 3 bet365 Craven Stakes at a sunny Newmarket on Wednesday.

Well backed down to 3/1, he proved just too strong for Momkin, who suffered a poor run through but did not go down without a fight.

Set Piece came next, followed in third by warm favourite Royal Marine, who pulled much too hard.

All of the eight-strong field were previous winners but it was Skardu, 33/1 scorer in a maiden here last year – his only previous outing – who remained unbeaten. Given plenty of time by James Doyle as Watan cut out the running and Set Piece moved up, he led inside the final furlong but edged right. There was only a neck in it at the line, though he looked in control.

SMART

“That was pretty smart,” the jockey said.

“He’s come from the back off a mediocre pace and quickened up well. If he comes on again he could be anything.

“I just dropped him out and then followed Frankie [on Set Piece] through. He ran on really well.”

Haggas is amiable but often cautious when discussing future plans.

OPTIMISTIC

However, Skardu, a son of Shamardal, was quoted at 6/1 for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas and the trainer is understandably optimistic.

“I was quite pleased,” he said.

“I don’t know what the form is like but he had a nice race, he relaxed well and showed a nice turn of foot.

“He surprised me but he performed well and we can allow ourselves to get excited about the 2,000 Guineas.”

Roger Charlton went close in the John Porter at Newbury on Saturday and even closer here.

Guyon, riding in Prince Faisal’s colours, is not the first to find trouble in and out of the Dip and Momkin, a 28/1 chance, would have gone close to winning if he wasn’t checked twice and may be worth following from here.