The bet365 Craven Stakes at the Rowley Mile at Newmarket on Wednesday is contested over the same course and distance as the QIPCO 2000 Guineas. (Pic: Courtesy of Newmarket Racecourse).

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GAY Kelleway is keeping her options open with the unbeaten Global Spectrum ahead of the bet365 Craven Stakes at Newmarket on Wednesday.

The Group 3 event, run over one mile, is contested at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile Racecourse and is a key trial for the Group 1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas over the same course and distance on May 4.

The Craven carries prize money of £60,000 and has attracted 20 entries – news that has pleased Kellaway who believes the big field will suit her stable star who scored twice at Kempton Park before winning the valuable Al Biddah Mile at Al Rayyan Racecourse in Qatar on February 23.

“Global Spectrum did his final piece of work before the bet365 Craven yesterday [Thursday] morning, quickening away from his usual lead horse,” Kelleway said.

“He is happy and relaxed and his jockey, Gerald Mosse, is convinced that he has improved since he got back from Qatar.

“I’m pleased to hear that the race has as many as 20 entries. It sounds crazy but I want a big field as that would mean a genuine pace and no messing around.

“We’ve re-routed him here rather than a race at Longchamp on Sunday because the French race has cut up into a small field.

“I’m sure if he runs well in the Craven I will be under pressure to go for the Guineas but I’m 50-50 at the moment between that and its French equivalent – he will go wherever I think he has the best chance.

“He’s a very good horse and is easy to train – he doesn’t have any complications or require any gadgets. Fast ground plays to his strengths and he will definitely stay further than a mile in time.”

In other news the running order at this year’s bet365 Craven Meeting (April 16 – 18) has been altered due to ITV Racing’s coverage on Good Friday. ITV 4 will carry four races from Tuesday and Wednesday next week and as a result, the bet365 Craven Stakes will take place on Wednesday, April 17.

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