Foundation looks solid in Craven Stakes
David Metcalf | April 13, 2016
Foundation can cement classic claims with Craven success
Foundation can enhance his classic claims by landing the Group 3 Craven Stakes at Newmarket (16.30).
The John Gosden trained colt looked a top notch prospect last season when winning his first three starts in terrific style.
After overcoming a slow start to score readily by 3 1/2 lengths on debut at Haydock, Foundation followed up in impressive fashion at the same venue when landing a 1m Listed contest by three lengths.
The son of Zoffany was once again slowly away in the latter, but travelled strongly into the contest and made smooth headway from two out to take up the running inside the last and quicken clear under a hands and heels ride.
Foundation then took the step up into Group 2 company in his stride when landing the Royal Lodge Stakes over course and distance by a cosy 3/4 of a length after racing keenly in the early stages.
Nothing went right in Racing Post Trophy
Although he could then only finish a four length third to Marcel when sent off odds-on for the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on his final start, Foundation ran better than the bare result suggests.
Foundation was held-up well off the pace in a muddlingly run affair, and got denied a clear run two from home which allowed the winner to steal a march before staying on well at the death to be nearest at the finish.
Given how the race panned out it was a fair effort, and Foundation looks the type who has the potential to make up into a very smart three-year-old.
He is currently 16/1 for the 2,000 Guineas and 10/1 second-favourite for the Derby with Coral, and if he wins as expected those odds will shorten dramatically.
Stormy Antarctic a big player
The Aidan O’Brien trained Shogun commands plenty of respect given powerful connections, but is likely to be seen to better effect over further than the 1m of this contest and may find a few too speedy.
For that reason Stormy Antarctic looks the one most likely to give Foundation most to think about.
The Ed Walker trained colt was very progressive as a juvenile, winning twice before posting a cracking effort to finish a head second to Johannes Vermeer in a Group 1 contest at Saint-Cloud when last seen in action.
That effort earned him an official rating of 112, 2lb higher than Foundation, and makes him a major player.
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Coral’s top tip: Foundation looks an exciting prospect and rates a solid bet to land the spoils before going on to better things. Stormy Antarctic can give him most to think about.
