3 minute read

John and Thady Gosden have the French 2000 Guineas in mind for Eben Shaddad, following his credible second in the Craven Stakes on seasonal reappearance.

The first raced foal out of Galileo's Lady, Eben Shaddad was an easy winner of a novice event at Newmarket's July course on racecourse debut in August 2023. Third in the Group 3 Somerville Stakes over seven furlongs on the Rowley Mile subsequently, the Calyx colt filled the same position behind City Of Troy in the Dewhurst to round off his juvenile campaign.

Despite the application of a first-time hood, Eben Shaddad was always keen in the early stages of the Craven and kept on well to take second behind Haatem.

"I think after that the French Guineas is a probable target," said co-trainer Thady Gosden.

"He ran a very nice race with the hood on for first time, stepping up to a mile. He relaxed well in behind and quickened up well when asked.

"The winner ran an exceptional race and our horse got a little tired as you would expect on his first run of the season, he's not run since the Dewhurst last season.

"He improved every start last year, he won a maiden on the July course first time out and then ran in a Group Three and in the Dewhurst. He's done well over the winter, he's filled out, he's a strong horse and has plenty of substance to him. He will improve for that run."