16:10 Newmarket

Thursday 18 April 2019

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:20

bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 16:12 | Winning time: 1m 52.43s

(11)

Mustashry¹⁶⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: Dane O'Neill| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 115| C| D

10/1

Won three times in 2018, his best effort when taking the Joel Stakes over 1m here in September. Well held in Breeders' Cup Mile on final start, and penalised for his Group 2 win here, which means he needs another lifetime best.

Form: 7/12110-

(1)

Circus Couture⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 9-0| J: J F Egan| T: Jane Chapple-Hyam| OR: 100| D

50/1

Placed in Royal Hunt Cup and Group 3 Superior Mile last season, but far from consistent, and has run poorly on both starts this season. Even a return to his best would leave him with work to do at this level.

Form: 8200-60

(6)

Elarqam²⁴⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Jim Crowley| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 111| BF| CWS

9/2

Lost his unbeaten record in the 2,000 Guineas last May, and a trifle disappointing in three subsequent outings given his reputation. Has had wind surgery since last season, though, and could easily get back on track.

Form: 11/4634-

(4)

Fajjaj²⁵⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: L Dettori| T: H Palmer| OR: 109

25/1

Runner-up in the German 2000 Guineas last year, but rather in-and-out thereafter, albeit third in a Listed race at Newbury in July. Well held on final start, and others much more appealing in this line-up.

Form: 220137-

(8)

First Contact⁴⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 108

5/1

Defied a mark of 100 to win a 1m handicap on July course last year, and creditable efforts in Group company at Meydan on last couple of starts. Mixed fortunes for yard at this fixture so far, but enters the reckoning.

Form: 231-733

(7)

First Nation⁵⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: James Doyle| T: C Appleby| OR: 109| BF| C| D

15/2

Bounced back to form to win a 1¼m handicap at Meydan on penultimate start, and ran well when third in a Group 3 there last time. Bit more needed now, but can't be dismissed now back on track.

Form: 1/404-13

(10)

Forest Ranger⁴⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: T Hamilton| T: R A Fahey| OR: 112| CD

13/2

Won this race last year, and back to form when beaten a neck over C&D on final 2018 start. No impact in Group 1 at Meydan last month, but better expected back at a track he handles very well.

Form: 17552-7

(3)

Robin Of Navan¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: R L Moore| T: H J L Dunlop| OR: 105| D

33/1

Bit disappointing since landing a French Group 1 as a juvenile, and disappointing on hie return to action at Kempton last month, so appears to have something to prove.

Form: 46273-8

(5)

Vintager⁵⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: A Kirby| T: C Appleby| OR: 112

9/2

Fourth in the Hampton Court Stakes (1¼m) at Royal Ascot prior to defying a big weight ion handicap company here for David Menuisier in July. No impact on sole start for new connections in Dubai, but should do better now returned to domestic action.

Form: 5/2341-7

(2)

Zabeel Prince²⁰²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: R Varian| OR: 111

9/2

Made a winning return last year, and weighted to reverse Joel Stakes form with Mustashry on 5lb better terms for ½L. Yard in fine form here this week, and respected accordingly.

Form: 110/102-

Non-Runners

(9)

Chilean²⁰⁸

Weight: 9-0| Age: 4

T: M Meade J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Zabeel Prince (9/2), Elarqam (9/2), Vintager (9/2), First Contact (5/1), Forest Ranger (13/2), First Nation (15/2), Mustashry (10/1), Fajjaj (25/1), Robin Of Navan (33/1), Chilean (33/1), Circus Couture (50/1)

Tight at the top here, with a number holding very similar claims on ratings, but last year's winner FOREST RANGER may be able to follow up despite failing to fire in Dubai. He may have most to fear from the highly-regarded Elarqam, who should have benefited from a breathing operation since last season, but Zabeel Prince and Vintager are others who could easily take a hand.