Article taken from the TDN

Juddmonte’s Twice Over (GB) (OBSERVATORY) answered any questions as to whether he could step back in trip yesterday at Newmarket in the G3 banshahousestables.com Craven S. The homebred bested market rival Raven’s Pass (Elusive Quality) to prevail by a neck after a thrilling tussle in Britain’s first major Classic trial. ‘It was a strongly run race all the way; he was lovely and settled and, if anything, he idled slightly,’ said winning rider Ted Durcan. ‘The race will be the making of him, and that will put him spot on. He’s a smashing horse.’

Twice Over, who created a favorable impression when posting a two-length debut success over course and distance last October, doubled his tally with another promising performance in the downgraded Zetland Conditions S. going a straight 10 furlongs back at this track the following month. Positioned in fourth from the outset of this seasonal return, he joined Raven’s Pass when overhauling River Proud (Proud Citizen) going into the dip, and no quarter was asked or given from there as the pair treated the crowd to a thrilling battle in the closing stages.

Despite the victory, Twice Over is not certain to line up for the G1 2000 Guineas over the same strip May 3, according to trainer Henry Cecil. ‘He was ready for the race and he’ll obviously improve a lot,’ Cecil said. ‘I’d like to leave the Guineas open as I’m not certain he’s a real Guineas horse, and we’ll see how he comes along and progresses. He did everything right [today] and it was a very good performance considering He’s a big baby, but I don’t want to push him if the Guineas is not the right race.’

'The Khalid Abdullah-owned colt fought back strongly to hold Raven's Pass by a short head, the pair pulling six lengths clear of the third, and give trainer Henry Cecil his first win in the Classic trial since King's Theatre in 1994.' Racing Post

'He is a lovely horse and does everything right and if you take the second away he was won very easily. I'm very pleased with him because he is just ready for a race. Hopefully he will improve as he was not exactly tuned up.' Henry Cecil, who had double Group success at Newmarket yesterday, with Juddmonte homebred Phoenix Tower winning the Earl Of Sefton Stakes, Gr.3.