Native Trail's impressive Newmarket display led to bookies shortening his odds for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas.
The colt remained unbeaten by justifying his short price in the bet365 Craven Stakes. Last season's champion juvenile travelled powerfully behind the leaders and asserted when asked by jockey William Buick.
Stretching his run to five wins, the 1-4 favourite came three lengths clear of Claymore (12-1). Bookmakers initially went 7-4 (from 9-4) for the first Classic of the season on April 30, a price that was then trimmed into 6-4 by firms including William Hill and Betfred.
Trainer Charlie Appleby told ITV Racing: "I was delighted how he was prepped coming into the race, but I'm more encouraged he's now got that run into him.
"Once he hits that rising ground he races the right way around, William could park him where he wanted and when he gave him the signal to pick up he did. I'm very happy."
The Group 3 Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes went to the Chris Wall-trained Double Or Bubble (7-2), who pipped Garrus by a short-head in a tight finish. The yard's travelling head lad Oleg Sheylets was delighted to start the season with a win at that level, after a challenging time for his family.
The 38-year-old, from Pirytin which is around 50 miles from Kyiv, Ukraine, rescued his mother from the war-torn country two weeks ago.
"We’ve not had a Group race winner for a while and to start the season with one is quite special," he said. "We were quite confident even though there was a Group One winner (Ebro River) in there."
Earlier on the card, Ameynah earned 1,000 Guineas quotes after her decisive Rossdales Maiden Fillies’ Stakes triumph. It was the fourth time trainer Roger Varian's had saddled the winner since 2012, a record which included subsequent Group 1 scorer Sheikha Reika.
“I wouldn’t say yes or no to the 1000 Guineas at the moment. She has won very nicely and is a filly we hold in quite high regard.," he said.
Frankie Dettori's 35th season began stylishly aboard eyecatching newcomer Francesco Clemente (3-1). John and Thady Gosden's charge, named after the Italian contemporary artist, posted a fluent display in the bet365 Wood Ditton Maiden Stakes
“He was very green in the race," Thady Gosden reported. "He had no cover so he had to make it his own way but he enjoyed the ground and picked up nicely. He will come on for it and is still learning plenty."
