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.