Brian Meehan trains 2,000 Guineas gamble Most Improved
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)Most Improved goes on Guineas trial in Craven
MOST IMPROVED, the subject of a major ante-post gamble for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas, will get the chance to prove his credentials in the Group 3 Novae Bloodstock Insurance Craven Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday.
The Brian Meehan-trained colt was as big as 33-1 for the Classic, but is now a general 4-1 second favouriteon the back of glowing reports at home. He will have the assistance of Kieren Fallon, who has already been confirmed for the ride in the Classic.
Also among the declarations are Crius, who won the Group 3 Somerville Tattersall Stakes, with Group 2 winner Trumpet Major also declared for trainer Richard Hannon.
Paddy Power make Most Improved their 11-8 favourite, with Trumpet Major the best of the rest at 5-1.
Mighty Ambition, winner of his sole start in a Newbury maiden, represents Frankie Dettori for Mahmood Al Zarooni in the absence of Swedish Sailor, while recent Kempton winner Eastern Sun is declared for John Gosden.
Al Zarooni said: "Mighty Ambition won his maiden very well and will appreciate the step up to a mile. We are looking forward to getting a run into him so we can see where we are.
"Hopefully, the race can be a stepping stone in the right direction. He has done well through the winter and I have been pleased with his training. He will improve for his seasonal return but we are hopeful that he can run well."
Trainer Michael Bell is on a fact-finding mission with Born To Surprise, an emphatic five-length winner at Doncaster this month.
"Born To Surprise has come out of his Doncaster race well and we have always had a high opinion of him," he said.
"I am just hoping that we don't get too much rain at Newmarket because he is a very good mover. He certainly warrants his place in the line-up and he is colt that we like a lot. The Craven Stakes will show us whether he is good enough for the 2,000 Guineas at this stage of his career."
Also in action on Thursday is the classy Twice Over for Sir Henry Cecil, who runs in the Group 3 Weatherbys Earl Of Sefton Stakes.
The four-time Group 1 winner will take on nine rivals in the race, including Penitent, Beatrice Aurore and Afsare.
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