MICHAEL STOUTE threw down his first challenge for the 2,900 Guineas by capturing his sixth Craven Stakes victory since 1985 with Desert Story at Newmarket, yesterday.
The all conquering trainer, who has won a Breeders' Cup, Japan Cup and Dubai World Cup over the last five months, revealed the strength of his classic hand with Desert Story's defeat of Grapeshot and Cape Cross.
The colt was cut to a top priced 14 to 1 (from 33 to 1) to follow Stoute's previous Craven winners Shadeed and Doyoun into the 2,000 Guineas winner's enclosure after he had prevailed by three quarters of a length under Michael Kinane.
But it was also a useful guide to the chances of stablemate Entrepreneur, the Derby favourite, set to make his reappearance in the 2,000 Guineas.
Kinane made his move approaching the furlong pole and Desert Story ran on well to hold the early pacesetter Grapeshot with Cape Cross, who met with a setback in February, running a fine trial to finish a head back in third.
Desert Story, beaten twice by Benny The Dip last term, ended, his two year old campaign by defeating Hidden Meadow, winner of Wednesday's Free Handicap, in the Horris Hill.
"He's a fair horse now and quickens more instantly," said, Stoute. "I think he will run very well in the 2,000 Guineas," he said. "We are thinking of running Entrepreneur in the 2,000 Guineas having decided against a prep race and we have brought him here today not to do any strong work but just for an outing. He is brimful of promise and his form is excellent."
Stoute hopes Kinane can keep the ride but commitments in this country on a weekend that also includes an important meeting at the Curragh are likely to rule him out.
"My problem is availability. There's a Classic trial that day," said Kinane. "Desert Story idled, in front but he will improve for the race, likes the ground and is suited by the track."
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