Newmarket preview: Earl Of Sefton Stakes (16:40)

Arod has some top class form to his name, and looks the one to beat in the Earl Of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket today (16:40) now eased in grade and dropped in trip.

This colt, who is trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam, won a maiden at Windsor on his seasonal reappearance last season in facile fashion before running a blinder to be beaten just 3/4 of a length by The Grey Gatsby in the Group 2 Dante Stakes over 1m 2f at York.

The winner went on to develop into one of the best three-year-olds in Europe, winning the Group 1 Prix Du Jockey Club at Chantilly before beating Epsom Derby winner Australia in the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

That is very strong form indeed in the context of this Group 3 contest, and Arod went on to finish a highly creditable fourth to Australia in the Derby.

Arod then took advantage of an easy opening to get back on the winning trail in a conditions’ contest at Leicester, and was far from disagreed on his final start last season when fifth to Australia in the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York.

This contest represents a drop in class for Arod, and the son of Teofilo is a strong travelling sort who should not be hindered by the drop back to 1m 1f.

Arod also remains lightly-raced and open to further progression and, with Andrea Atzeni in the saddle, can get the better of French Navy to land the spoils in what looks a match on paper.

French Navy is trained by the in-form Charlie Appleby, and had an excellent season last term when winning two Listed contest and Group 3 on his final three starts.

The seven-year-old is a strong travelling sort who has a potent turn of foot, and is officially rated 6lb higher than Arod.