Group Three Earl Of Sefton Stakes Newmarket Guide 2023

Jane Chapple-Hyam sends one to the Earl Of Sefton Stakes in the form of eight-year-old Intellogent, who is by far the oldest horse in the race. He returns after 192 days off the track, following a disappointing end to 2022, finshing seventh in Rose Of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock in August before seventh of nine in Masar Darley Stakes here in October.

Hasn’t been at his best for a while and on reappearance this looks like a tough ask for the gelding.

Five-year-old Raadobarg who finished eighth in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot back in October when priced at 80/1. Hasn’t fared too well at this sort of level, finishing outside of the top three on each occasion and wins have come at a lesser level.

Could still go better for a top trainer but this looks difficult for him.

Makes his return after 222 days off the track, finishing decent second of three in Doncaster class two over 1m 2f, just under four lengths behind Adayar. He finished fourth in the Epsom Derby last June but has been inconsistent since, finishing fifth, ninth, fourth and second after that run.

Could do well on reappearance and has the ability to do so, shouldn’t be dismissed despite inconsistent form. David Probert does the steering.

Talented runner who ran poorly last time out after spending zero time outside of the top two in his career, finishing sixth of seven in Perth Group Three Stakes at Saint-Cloud back in October last year. Boasts wins at Newbury and Sandown over 7f and previous start over this trip came when finishing second in Group Three Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot last June.

Would be surprising if he didn’t go better than his last run but the current top two in the market look hard to beat. Place claims if he is to bounce back from that last run.

French recruit who makes his debut for Martyn Meade here. Hasn’t finished outside of the top three in his career (seven runs), winning three races at ParisLongchamp (twice) and Compiegne (class one listed).

Has to improve again on yard debut if he is to land victory on UK debut but his form in France reads well and he shouldn’t be dismissed. Probably worth a small each-way bet based off his French form.

Charlie Appleby sends two for this year’s Earl Of Sefton Stakes in the form of Ottoman Fleet and Blue Trail. This four-year-old did very well to win 14-runner handicap at Meydan last time out in February after a few inconsistent runs towards the end of 2022.

Hasn’t won in the UK since winning at Kempton in March last year and this will be his first entry into grouped company in England against some top runners. Can go well again but this will be a tough ask.

Simon & Ed Crisford’s four-year-old Poker Face makes his return after 183 days off from continuing his unbeaten record so far at Pontefract, winning class four handicap by eight and a half lengths to Billy Roberts. That victory came after wins at Newcastle and Pontefract on debut, and he steps into grouped company for the first time here.

His toughest test so far awaits but he is a very exciting horse and with the talented Ryan Moore onboard, he has a good chance of maintaining his unbeaten record.

Charlie Appleby’s Ottoman Fleet arrives here in good form, finishing third on all three occasions in a stint at Meydan throughout January and February, including third to Nations Pride last time out. The four-year-old won here on his last UK outing, beating Royal Fleet by five and a half lengths to claim listed success over 1m 2f.

Appleby and booked jockey William Buick won this with Master Of The Seas last year and Ottoman Fleet has a decent chance of winning as he’s in good form. This should be an exciting contest and one Appleby could triumph in again.