April 17 / 15.00 Newmarket

15.00

Good

bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes (Group 3)

  • Prize money: £48203.5
  • 1m 1f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 9 runners
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bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes (Group 3)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £2.75
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 133-28 CD BF

Last run: 54 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Did very well at this course in 2022 and 6-4 favourite when winning this race last year (good to soft) in clearcut style, coming from last to first in a seven-runner race; also won in the USA last May; this year's build-up at Meydan has not been quite so persuasive as last year's, with a short-priced flop on latest outing, but the ground here should not be an issue and a return to his form of 12 months ago would make him the one to beat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(6)

15th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Ottoman Fleet

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Smart globetrotter who is the winner of three US Graded races; finished fourth in UAE Group 1 on last appearance; record of 4-5 at this course features wins in this contest for the last two years (started favourite both times); holds very solid claims in his bid to become the first horse to land the Earl of Sefton three times.

5/4

2nd

5

(6)

15th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Ottoman Fleet

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Smart globetrotter who is the winner of three US Graded races; finished fourth in UAE Group 1 on last appearance; record of 4-5 at this course features wins in this contest for the last two years (started favourite both times); holds very solid claims in his bid to become the first horse to land the Earl of Sefton three times.

5/4

1st

7

(8)

17th Apr 2024

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Ottoman Fleet

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Did very well at this course in 2022 and 6-4 favourite when winning this race last year (good to soft) in clearcut style, coming from last to first in a seven-runner race; also won in the USA last May; this year's build-up at Meydan has not been quite so persuasive as last year's, with a short-priced flop on latest outing, but the ground here should not be an issue and a return to his form of 12 months ago would make him the one to beat.

3/1

10/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 2116-8 CD

Last run: 53 days

W: 9st 2lb

7 yo Horse

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Hit new highs in major handicaps last term, notably with his win in the Cambridgeshire over C&D (good to firm) in September; not disgraced in mid-division since when seeking big money in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia; this is a different scenario to those larger-field handicaps last term but he is well worth his place at this level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(9)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Newmarket

Astro King

9st 11lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Excelled in top handicaps at York and Newmarket in 2023, including with a C&D win in the Cambridgeshire (good to firm; 3lb lower today); however, he only once threatened to hit those heights in 2024 and, after wind surgery, missed all of 2025; that leaves him with a 658-day absence to overcome but his handicap mark has been slashed.

40/1

12th

1

(14)

13th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Astro King

9st 13lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Has a very lofty mark and hasn't been at his best the last twice but he excelled in big-field handicaps last year, finishing second in this (good to soft) and posting wins over C&D (good to firm) and in the Cesarewitch (1m1f, good to firm; off 4lb lower); not necessarily handicapped out of things.

14/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 23990-

Last run: 179 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Unraced on firmer than good except on debut; 125-1 second here (soft) last May in the 2,000 Guineas and respectable third in the Irish version (good); failed to back up that form in two top races at Deauville and ended 2023 tailing off at 100-1 in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot in October; had wind surgery in January; major player if he can recover his Guineas form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(13)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Ayr

Hi Royal

9st 13lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Soft-ground second in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023; smart handicapper nowadays but his only success remains a C&D novice win at the 2022 Western meeting; two good placed efforts over 1m at Thirsk this year but well held at Ascot latest and others are preferred for the win again.

16/1

3

(13)

5th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Hi Royal

9st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

Soft-ground second in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023; smart handicapper nowadays who still has just one novice success to his name; went close in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (good) on reappearance and it was a step back in the right direction when close third of five at that track (also 1m, good to firm) last month; hasn't shone in three starts here (admittedly twice in Group 1s) but handicapper is gradually relenting.

20/1

2

(4)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

16:40 Thirsk

Hi Royal

9st 12lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Kevin Ryan

Runner-up in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023 but just a useful handicapper nowadays; comes into the reckoning on his second in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (good ground) on reappearance but hasn't repeated the form and carries risks.

6/1

Form: 13324- D BF

Last run: 151 days

W: 9st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Won the Group 3 Diomed at Epsom (8.5f, good to firm) with a late bid last June and good placed efforts on next three outings, going down by a head in Group 2 here (1m; stays 1m2f) on final outing; below-form favourite on AW in November; big shout if returning on song but previous campaigns suggest he will be better for this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(1)

7th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 37y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Regal Reality

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Sir Michael Stoute

9yo who hasn't been at his very best this year and can be slowly away; however, this five-time Group 3 winner has still shown considerable spark in 2024, including here last time, and he may well be in the mix.

9/2

3rd

6

(4)

10th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 100y

Class 1

15:00 Haydock

Regal Reality

9st 7lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Sir Michael Stoute

in touch with leaders early

12/1

4/1

Form: 11214-

Last run: 200 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Made his debut only last May but hit the ground running and ended up with three wins from five starts (all 1m) and the form he showed on last three occasions shows he can cut it at Listed/Group level; free-going sort but he battled back to dead-heat for first in Group 3 at Salisbury, so not ruled out over 1m1f; a bit of improvement is needed to win this but he's clearly a candidate for improvement as 4yo.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(4)

28th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 6y

Class 1

15:12 Pontefract

Embesto

9st 7lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Shared the spoils in Salisbury Group 3 during his first season last year; good third in Group 2 event at Ascot (1m, good) most recently, showing he's back in top form; commands respect.

13/8

3rd

4

(7)

13th Jul 2024

Soft

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:20 Ascot

Embesto

9st 3lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

taken down early, took keen hold, prominent, led 2f out, headed over 1f out

6/1

5th

2

(7)

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 1

14:35 Epsom

Embesto

9st 8lb

J: James Doyle

T: Roger Varian

Dead-heated in Group 3 Sovereign Stakes at Salisbury (1m, good) last August and good fourth in French Group 2 next time (1m, good to soft); below-par fifth at Newmarket on reappearance but may have needed the run and a first-time hood could help this headstrong sort settle better; remains lightly raced and this 4yo could still have more to offer; one to be interested in.

7/2

Form: 52-647 C

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Mixed record since the career highlight of a win at Royal Ascot in 2022; fourth of six in the Winter Derby at Southwell was the second and best of his three AW runs this year; not disgraced either side but a return to his absolute peak form is probably required for a prominent finish today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(2)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 2

13:30 Carlisle

Claymore

9st 6lb

J: Sorin Moldoveanu

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Campaigned in the UAE this winter, last seen finishing tailed off at Meydan; still 4lb higher than for his last win in Britain and probably best watched after three months off.

20/1

2

(2)

14th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

20:00 Windsor

Claymore

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Career highlight was at Royal Ascot 2022 but he capitalised on a career-low mark to win at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) last month; long list of possible excuses next time and not disgraced at Ascot last Saturday, so he needs a second look.

10/1

2

(5)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Claymore

10st 1lb

J: Suraj Narredu

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Career highlight was at Royal Ascot 2022 but he capitalised on a career-low mark to win at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) last month; long list of possible excuses at Yarmouth 12 days later, so he remains of interest.

6/1

7th
6 (3)
Novus

16/1

Form: 22141- C

Last run: 187 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Big progress last term as a 3yo, notably with her wins in three soft-ground races, the last of which was in a Group 3 over 1m2f here in October; while that first run beyond 1m suited her well, she needs to improve again and has much more to prove back on good ground or, particularly, good to firm.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

7

(5)

11th Oct 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

16:45 Newmarket

Novus

9st 5lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Gary & Josh Moore

slowly into stride

9/1

1st

8

(1)

25th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 1f 197y

Class 1

16:05 Goodwood

Novus

8st 13lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary & Josh Moore

slowly away, towards rear

9/2

OUR TIP

Form: 1443-0

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Best 2yo run was on turf here but he suffered heavy defeats at Newmarket in his only two turf races last term, admittedly absent five months in between; surged back to form on AW last October-December but last month's run was not so good; blinkers are given a go and overall improvement is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(6)

17th Apr 2024

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Blanchland

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Best 2yo run was on turf here but he suffered heavy defeats at Newmarket in his only two turf races last term, admittedly absent five months in between; surged back to form on AW last October-December but last month's run was not so good; blinkers are given a go and overall improvement is needed.

33/1

8th

2

(6)

17th Apr 2024

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Blanchland

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Best 2yo run was on turf here but he suffered heavy defeats at Newmarket in his only two turf races last term, admittedly absent five months in between; surged back to form on AW last October-December but last month's run was not so good; blinkers are given a go and overall improvement is needed.

33/1

12th

6

(13)

29th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Blanchland

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Useful colt who ended his 2023 campaign with respectable efforts in Listed grade elsewhere; 2-2 at Newcastle, including a 1l success off just 1lb lower on sole handicap attempt; interesting returned to this venue on seasonal debut.

12/1

11/1

Form: 524-30 C

Last run: 53 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Won the Group 2 Dante at York (extended 1m2f, good to firm) last May; didn't improve further but the only major negative in his record since is his last of 13 in Saudi Arabia in February; not far away if he bounces back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(1)

9th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

14:35 Chester

The Foxes

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

led, headed and prominent after 1f, ridden and edged right over 1f out, led final 110yds, won going away

11/8

1st

7

(1)

9th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

14:35 Chester

The Foxes

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

led, headed and prominent after 1f, ridden and edged right over 1f out, led final 110yds, won going away

11/8

8

(10)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

The Foxes

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Won the Dante at 3; wasn't far off his best when third in 1m3f Southwell conditions race in February (AW debut) but comfortably held in Group races on turf since, albeit he might have needed his latest run at Newmarket after six months off.

15/2

Non-runners

Royal Rhyme

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £14.60
Straight Forecast £14.99
Tricast £137.24
Trifecta £119.80

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Ottoman Fleet

SPOTLIGHT:

Embesto

TOPSPEED:

The Foxes

Telegraph:

Royal Rhyme

POSTDATA:

Astro King

NEWMARKET:

Embesto

The Guardian:

Embesto

D Express:

Embesto

The Times:

The Foxes

Daily Mirror:

Ottoman Fleet

The Sun:

Ottoman Fleet

The Star:

Ottoman Fleet

Daily Record:

Ottoman Fleet

Daily Mail:

Royal Rhyme

LAMBOURN:

Astro King