Indestructible pulls an upset in Craven Stakes

A supporting player in group-level stakes last year, Indestructible ($18.60) was the surprise winner of Thursday’s Group 3 Craven Stakes for 3-year-old milers at Newmarket Racecourse in England in his first start for trainer Karl Burke.

The win in the $99,200 Craven Stakes is expected to lead to a start in the Group 1 English 2000 Guineas at a mile on May 6 at Newmarket for Indestructible, who is owned by Amo Racing.

Indestructible was the fourth choice in a field of seven that had a North American influence.

Mysterious Night, winner of the Grade 1 Summer Stakes at Woodbine last September for Godolphin Racing and trainer Charlie Appleby, finished last as the 6-5 favorite. Mysterious Night stalked the pace for the first six furlongs, but was not a factor in the final furlong.

Indestructible, an Irish-bred colt by Kodiak, was ridden by Kevin Stott, his fifth different rider in as many starts.

Stott had Indestructible near the front shortly after the start and fought off a threat from Dancing Magic to remain near the front throughout. Dancing Magic (11-1) faded to finish third.

Indestructible finished a half-length in front of The Foxes, the 2-1 second choice who closed from off the pace.

Last summer, when trained by Michael O’Callaghan, Indestructible was second in the Group 3 Acomb Stakes at York and Group 2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster, losing both races to 2000 Guineas contender Chaldean.

Indestructible has won 2 of 5 starts, including an allowance race for 2-year-olds at five furlongs at Windsor Racecourse last July.

The colt was reported to have undergone a breathing operation in February.

The Craven Stakes completed a strong week for Amo Racing, who won Wednesday’s Group 3 Nell Gwynn Stakes at Newmarket for 3-year-old fillies with Mammas Girl.

Cheltenham Racecourse, 100 miles west of London, hosted the lone jump racing program in Britain on Thursday.

On a seven-race program exclusively for fillies and mares, Malaita ($54.60) led throughout a $62,100 handicap hurdle at 2 9/16 miles that drew a field of 17.

Ridden by Alex Edwards for trainer Mel Rowley, Malaita led by two lengths at the midway point and held off a threat from 22-1 Merry Poppins over the final 10 obstacles to win by a half-length. The lead was only a neck over the last hurdle.

Malaita, a 7-year-old British-bred mare, has won 3 of 11 starts, including her last two starts.