17th-Apr-2019

It is easy to understand why Royal Marine is favourite for the Craven Stakes.  He is a high-profile Godolphin colt, and he battled on well to win the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp in October.  However, he was well beaten in the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial at Meydan in January, albeit on dirt after missing the break, and he is short today. 

I am happy to take him on with Skardu.  William Haggas’ colt was impressive in winning his maiden on his racecourse debut over today’s course in September.  

He sprang a surprise that day, he was sent off at 33/1, and the race is working out well.  The third, fourth, seventh and eighth all won next time.

He is going to have to progress if he is going to win a Craven Stakes, but there is every chance that he will and the fact that he handled Newmarket well is an obvious asset to take into today’s contest.

SKARDU WON (ADV 5/1, SP 3/1)