NEWMARKET (ROWLEY) 16:05

All 6 ran.

Time: 1m 35.42s

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 101.4%

Even though no winner of the Craven Stakes since Haafhd in 2004 has gone on to win the 2000 Guineas the status of the race as a recognised classic trial has been upheld by the likes of Delegator, Trumpet Major and Toronado all subsequently hitting the frame in the main even in recent years; with last year's top-rated juvenile Toormoore and the promising Be Ready in opposition this had the potential to be a high-class renewal, but with the latter flopping it was less competitive, although in defying a penalty the winner has still shown form at the higher end of what you'd expect to see from a top 3-y-o at this early point in the season; the early pace was modest, a few of them keen as a result, and the first 2 were in those positions throughout.

TOORMORE (IRE) ended up with a much easier task with market rival Be Ready flopping and didn't need to improve on the form he'd shown to win the National Stakes 7 months ago to maintain his unbeaten record, not flashy in taking advantage of the opportunity, but ultimately he asserted for mainly hands and heels, probably having a bit up his sleeve, and he should be straighter for this first run of the campaign, whilst it's obviously a positive that he's now proven both his stamina for the trip and that he's trained on (has strengthened up over the winter); he took a strong hold with the early gallop nothing special and Moore sent him on after 2f, continuing to go quite enthusiastically until shaken up when headed around 2f out, taking a little while to respond but going on again approaching the final 1f without his rider having to get serious, then driven clear despite hanging left and looking a little idle; the 2000 Guineas will be by far his stiffest task to date, with Kingman the one to beat having put up a better/more impressive performance than this in the Greenham, but there's no reason why Toormore shouldn't run a big race, this experience of the track a plus, as is the fact that he's won on ground ranging from soft to good to firm, and, whether he's up to the Guineas or not, it'll be something of a surprise if he's not competitive in plenty of top races up to 1m throughout this 3-y-o season.

THE GREY GATSBY (IRE) didn't go on quite as expected after the Acomb last year but looks to have done very well physically in the 6 months he's been off the track, a stronger colt now, and showed improved form to be placed in another Group race; led, headed after 2f, edged ahead again 2f out, headed approaching final 1f, wandered around a little under pressure but kept on and never looked in danger of being caught for second; the 2000 Guineas will surely be too tough but he could improve a bit more this year.

POSTPONED (IRE) has improved each time he's made the track so far, progressing again over this 1f longer trip after 6 months off and leaving the impression that it was barely enough of a test for him; in touch, effort over 2f out, outpaced by front pair before running on late; he is bred to be suited by at least 1¼m and is open to further improvement with a longer distance in mind.

PATENTAR (FR) faced a stiff task in this grade 6 months after winning his only 2-y-o start but showed improvement, putting up a useful effort, and it should aid his development; tracked pace, ridden over 2f out, one paced, no match for principals; an attractive colt, he's still unexposed.

ANJAAL proved a useful juvenile, successful in the July Stakes and not beaten far when fourth in the Dewhurst, and shaped as if he'll be better for this return from 6 months off; prominent, raced freely, driven 2f out, beaten approaching final 1f and not persevered with once held; should stay 1m but dropping back in trip wouldn't be a negative.

BE READY (IRE) disappointed after 7 months off having created a favourable impression in a couple of starts last year, though clearly he wasn't 100% on the day; held up, raced too freely, struggling 3f out, something not right and was eased off; should be suited by 1m.