Native Khan to run Craven as 2000 Guineas prep
Published:Native Khan looks a decent each-way prospect for the 2000 Guineas later this month, but it may be easier to assess his chances after he makes an early appearance at Newmarket for the Craven Stakes tomorrow.
Ed Dunlop’s horse is 25/1 in the 2000 Guineas odds and as long as the ground is on the fast side then he should be able to lay down a strong challenge to current 4/5 favourite Frankel.
Native Khan begun his career with a maiden victory at Newmarket as a two-year-old last season and then followed up at Sandown in the Group Three Solario Stakes, with both victories on a surface said to be good to firm.
However, he encountered a softer surface on his final start at Doncaster for the Racing Post Trophy, but he lost his 100 per cent record when failing to get to grips with the conditions and finishing three lengths adrift of Casamento in fourth.
Trainer Dunlop had initially suggested that his horse may head straight to the 2000 Guineas for his seasonal reappearance, but the decision has been made that Native Khan will benefit from a preparation run at Newmarket ahead of the Classic.
Dunlop told the Racing Post: “He’s strengthened nicely and this is a nice starting point. It looks a strong enough race on class rather than numbers.
“It was a late decision to run here as he’s been working so well and we’re pleasantly surprised that the ground remains fast.”
Native Khan is 1/1 in the Craven Stakes odds and seems to be the best of the six runners on paper.
The booking of Kieren Fallon can also be seen as a plus and 4/1 chance Libranno from the Richard Hannon yard is likely to be his biggest threat.
A £30 stake on Native Khan winning the 2000 Guineas would return £750. New customers can sign up here for a free £30 bet.
