Craven Stakes – Boom and Bust: Who went to the top and who proved a flop?
THE Craven Stakes has been a stepping stone to greatness for several horses down the years. But there have also been a number of runners who looked to have the world at their feet only to become a flop. Who makes the Boom and Bust list? ⭐️ Masar – 2018 Charlie Appleby’s stable star romped […]
THE Craven Stakes has been a stepping stone to greatness for several horses down the years.
But there have also been a number of runners who looked to have the world at their feet only to become a flop. Who makes the Boom and Bust list?
Masar – 2018
Charlie Appleby’s stable star romped home by a wide-margin in last year’s renewal of the Group 3 Craven Stakes.
He was a staggering nine lengths clear at the line and, though he was unable to follow up when an unlucky third in the 2000 Guineas, he made up for it with a memorable Derby win at Epsom.
He missed the remainder of last season due to injury but should contest all the big middle-distance races this summer.
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Eminent – 2017
This son of Frankel looked to have a huge future when landing the Craven in 2017 under Jim Crowley.
But Martyn Meade’s colt went off the rails after a promising run in the Derby (bar a win in a weak French Group race).
He tried to bite a rival in the Eclipse and completely lost the plot last season before he was shipped off to Australia earlier this year.
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Toronado – 2013
Richard Hannon’s crack miler breezed to an emphatic victory in this historic 2000 Guineas trial in 2013.
He blew out in the Classic itself but went on to have some ding-dong battles with his old rivals Dawn Approach later in the season.
He was narrowly denied in the St James’s Palace at Royal Ascot but won a thrilling Sussex Stakes at Goodwood before he returned as a four-year-old to win the Queen Anne.
Native Khan – 2011
This dashing grey was a decisive winner of the 2011 Craven, beating multiple Group winner Libranno by two lengths.
He performed as well as could be expected when third to Frankel in the 2000 Guineas the following month.
But his form dropped off a cliff afterwards and he ended up standing for the princely sum of £500 in Turkey.
The 2019 Nell Gwyn Stakes line-up
Mot Juste 7-2
Main Edition 4-1
Angel’s Hideaway 5-1
Sunday Star 6-1
Orchid Star 8-1
Qabala 8-1
Look Around 10-1
Nashirah 10-1
Mistress Of Love 20-1
Come On Leicester 25-1
Mercenary Rose 33-1
Twice Over – 2008
A true warrior of the turf for the late, great Sir Henry Cecil for a number of seasons, Twice Over won the 2008 Craven from subsequent Breeders’ Cup Classic hero Raven’s Pass (who almost made this list).
He wouldn’t reach his peak until later in his career, particularly in 2009 and 2010 when he won back-to-back renewals of the Champion Stakes.
The son of Observatory is now covering mares in South Africa.
Adagio – 2007
Sir Michael Stoute has trained a record eight winners of the Craven, but his Adagio proved a big flop.
Owned by the Coolmore partners, was a taking winner in 2007 and sent off the 4-1 favourite for the 2000 Guineas.
But he flopped in the Classic and in the Dante at York later that month and he was later banished to the USA.
Haafhd – 2004
The beautifully-bred Haafhd lived up to expectations during a cracking racing career.
Out of the legendary mare Al Bahathri, he took out the Craven by five lengths and followed up in the 2000 Guineas the following month – the last horse to complete the double.
He completed his career with a decisive victory in the Champion Stakes – though he went on to prove a disappointment at stud.