Ephesus

The horse loves normal, standard ground, winning two of its last seven races on such conditions — a win rate of twenty-nine percent that is genuinely strong by comparison to its overall record. On faster, drier ground or in wetter, muddier conditions, Ephesus is far less likely to trouble the judge. It also shows a preference for distance, winning two of eleven races over the longer routes between a mile and six furlongs and two miles. The distances suit its running style better, and Denis Gerard Hogan's Tipperary yard has clearly identified this and tries to target suitable opportunities.

Recent form has been a struggle. Ephesus raced just a day ago and has not won in its last six outings, finishing well down the field most recently (thirteenth, thirteenth, eleventh, sixth, eighth, ninth). Its last victory came a full year ago at Roscommon on 13 October 2025, which underlines that this is a horse in decline or one that has simply not encountered the right set of circumstances. Daniel King has ridden it eleven times and won just once — a similar nine percent win rate to the horse's overall record, suggesting there is nothing special about their partnership. With only 54 winners sent out by the Cloughjordan yard this season, and Ephesus contributing just that single success back in July, it is clear this five-year-old is not a flagship performer. It remains a runner, still active and still racing, but the window for another success is closing with each disappointing outing.