Threat signals his Craven intent

Richard Hannon is leaning towards next month’s bet365 Craven Stakes at Newmarket for Threat before his return to Headquarters for the Qipco 2000 Guineas.

The Marlborough handler has earmarked the mile Group Three prize as a potential starting point for the son of Footstepsinthesand, who is as short as 16-1 for the opening Classic of the season.

Although only finishing fifth in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket in October on his first start at Group One level, Threat had previously highlighted his talents with Group Two wins in the Gimcrack at York and Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.

He said: “We are extremely happy with how he has done over the winter.

“Physically he has grown up and mentally he has grown up, which he needed to do because he got a little bit restless at times last year. A lot of the good two-year-old form revolves around him.

“As he has already been to Newmarket and won his maiden there and handled it, we might go for the Craven, but nothing is set in stone yet.”

While Threat has yet to race beyond seven furlongs, Hannon is confident he should have no problem in getting a mile.

“He is by Footstepsinthesand, who was a miler, and we are hopeful he will get the mile — and we think he will.

“He is very relaxed, which gives him every chance of getting the trip.

“Charlie’s (Appleby) horse Pinatubo will be a hard horse to beat in the Guineas, but you can’t run away from one horse — and Threat is in very good nick.”