Classic clues aplenty as three-year-olds hit the ground running

Newmarket’s Craven meeting has developed into an important early season marker for Godolphin and the Royal Blue silks were out in force with several noteworthy performances over the three-day fixture.

In the feature G3 Craven Stakes, Master Of The Seas booked his place in the 2,000 Guineas when getting the better of La Barrosa in a thrilling finish.

The winner will try to emulate Haafhd, the last horse to complete the Craven-Guineas double in 2004, although the 2018 Craven Stakes victor Masar famously went on to Classic glory in the Derby.

Godolphin also enjoyed a 1-2 in the nine-furlong Listed Feilden Stakes as Highland Avenue edged out Secret Protector, with the first two pulling well clear.

A return to a mile could be on the cards for Highland Avenue, while Secret Protector looks set for a step up in distance.

Al Waqidi, a grandson of 1,000 Guineas and Oaks heroine Kazzia, and Creative Force continued an excellent meeting for the three-year-old crop, while One Ruler stepped up his 2,000 Guineas preparation with a pleasing racecourse gallop.

Hurricane Lane also added his name to an ever-growing list of Classic prospects when taking a 10-furlong conditions race at Newbury’s Spring Trials meeting.

A host of heavyweights have launched their three-year-old seasons in the same contest, including Classic winners Oath, Light Shift and Enable plus Godolphin stars Contributer and Space Blues.

In Australia, Bivouac (pictured) retired to stud following a glittering career that saw the Exceed And Excel homebred crowned World Champion Sprinter in 2020.

The quest to find the next speed sensation has already started with Godolphin committing to a slot in The Everest, the richest sprint in the world, for a further three years.

Randwick hosts the G1 All Aged Stakes this Saturday, 24 April, and Godolphin could have a strong challenge in the seven-furlong highlight, with G1 winners Savatiano, Cascadian and Kementari featuring among the latest nominations.