Newmarket Craven Meeting
The Newmarket Craven Meeting, held annually in April at Newmarket Racecourse, is a significant event in the UK flat racing calendar. It serves as a precursor to the prestigious 2000 and 1000 Guineas, featuring key races like the Craven Stakes, Nell Gwyn Stakes, and Abernant Stakes.
For Betfair traders, the Craven Meeting offers a unique trading environment. While it may not match the liquidity of major festivals like Cheltenham or Aintree, it surpasses typical midweek flat meetings. The quality of racing provides opportunities for those who focus on the standout races, especially the Craven Stakes and Nell Gwyn Stakes.
As the flat racing season gains momentum, the Craven Meeting marks a transition into higher-quality racing and the onset of evening races in May. Traders should monitor market conditions closely, as liquidity can vary, and adapt their strategies accordingly.
In summary, while the Craven Meeting may not be the most lucrative trading event, it offers valuable opportunities for those who approach it with a focused strategy, setting the stage for the peak flat racing season ahead.
Notable Horses Associated with the Craven Meeting
Haafhd
Haafhd won the Craven Stakes in 2004 before going on to claim victory in the 2,000 Guineas, exemplifying the Craven’s role as a key trial for the Classic.
Masar
In 2018, Masar delivered a remarkable nine-length victory in the Craven Stakes, showcasing his potential. He later triumphed in the Epsom Derby, becoming the first horse to win both races since the Craven’s inception.
Cedric
Cedric began his racing career at the 1824 Newmarket Craven Meeting, securing a win in a 100 guinea Sweepstakes. He subsequently won the Epsom Derby that year, highlighting the meeting’s historical significance as a launching pad for future Classic winners.
Priam
Priam made his debut at the 1830 Craven Meeting, winning the Riddlesworth Stakes. He went on to win the Epsom Derby and had a distinguished racing career, further cementing the Craven Meeting’s reputation for unveiling top-tier talent.
Betfair Trading conditions
I prefer to know whether I’m in a good market or a poor one, the Craven often sits in between that!
It isn’t traditionally a great meeting for me, but it’s above average for your standard flat fodder.
There’s quality there, but in terms of liquidity, it often hasn’t been delivered in the past, and as a betting heat, it doesn’t have the same importance as other nearby events. But it is better than the stuff you see on the midweek card. So it’s worth a bit more of your focus than a standard flat meeting.
I’ll be focusing on the Craven Meeting during the mid-week in preference to anything either side of it. I’ll put special focus into the big races to pick up an above average result on those races.
I don’t expect to get anything special from the Craven meeting, but I will be active and trading it. While it’s not a mind-blowing trading opportunity, it marks another step to much higher quality racing and, of course, the start of evening racing in May.
We are rapidly heading into peak season!