Betway Earl Of Sefton Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:01 | Winning time: 1m 49.92s

(3)

Damysus¹⁸⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: James Doyle| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 113| CD

7/4

Frankel colt who was beaten a long way in the Derby at Epsom last June but back on track with victories in 1¼m French listed race and the C&D Darley Stakes (good to firm) on final 2 starts of his 3-y-o campaign. Remains with potential and he may well have more to offer this season.

Form: 1/32011-

(1)

Boiling Point⁵³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 114| CD

5/2

Listed winner for Roger Varian and opened account for present yard when edging home in the 23-runner Cambridgeshire over C&D in September. Shaped as though he'd come on for the run when fourth in the Winter Derby at Lingfield in February and a bold show likely returned to turf.

Form: 4/5421-4

(5)

King's Gambit²⁰⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: J P Spencer| T: Harry Charlton| OR: 111

8/1

Impressive winner of the London Gold Cup on reappearance last year and even better form when placed at listed/Group level next 3 outings. Signed 2025 campaign off with a very respectable effort at Ayr and should pay his way again this year but James Doyle unsurprisingly sides with Damysus here.

Form: 7/46352-

(6)

Persica¹⁵²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Oisin Murphy| T: R Hannon| OR: 112| CD

5/1

Boasts a fine strike rate (7-20) and resumed his progression when bagging this race and the Diomed at Epsom in the first half of last season. However, his form subsequently dipped (gelded since final appearance of 2025) and, though dangerous to fully discount, he looks vulnerable this time round.

Form: 815608-

(4)

Prague¹⁶⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: Jack Gilligan| T: Dylan Cunha| OR: 105| CWS

25/1

Produced a really smart effort when winning the Group 2 Joel Stakes on soft ground here in September 2024. However, he didn't get close to reproducing that level of form in 7 starts last season and now finds himself with a bit to prove. Has undergone a breathing operation.

Form: 455405-

(2)

Skukuza¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: E A L Dunlop| OR: 111| C

6/1

Off the mark in 1m handicap here in 2024 and progressed with back-to-back victories at the Curragh last season, latterly landing a listed race. Has performed with credit both starts this year and likely to give another good account with Ryan Moore (2-4 under him) back in the hot-seat.

Form: 9343-45

Forecasts

Damysus (7/4), Boiling Point (5/2), Persica (5/1), Skukuza (6/1), King's Gambit (8/1), Prague (25/1)

Aside from a heavy defeat in the Derby, DAMYSUS enjoyed a progressive 3-y-o campaign and hopes can be high that he will kick on again this season. He gets the nod ahead of Cambridgeshire hero Boiling Point and the consistent Skukuza. Last year's winner Persica would be a danger to all if on-song but he needs to get back on track following a rather subdued end to 2025.