Surprise set for Craven test

Born To Surprise is likely to test his Classic credentials in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket following his impressive performance at Doncaster.

Michael Bell’s three-year-old had finished a highly creditable second on his racecourse debut at Warwick last September, and confirmed that promise with a five-length comeback victory on Town Moor.

“He’s a horse I’ve always really liked and he should have won his maiden last year, but he sat in the stalls and gave them 10 lengths before running on well to finish second,” said Bell.

“He’s come on leaps and bounds from two to three and was very good at Doncaster. It’s obviously a big gulf from a Doncaster maiden to a Pattern race, but I do like him and the Craven Stakes would be his preferred option as it avoids travelling.”

Bell also had news of Set To Music, who won four times in 2011, with her handicap mark rising a staggering 40lb.

The Queen’s filly signed off for the year with a fine second to Meeznah in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster and could return to Yorkshire for her seasonal return.

“She is not in fast work yet, but she’s done well over the winter and the plan would be to start her off in the Middleton Stakes at York’s Dante meeting,” Bell added.