Sports
Dewhurst Stakes 2025: Who Will Reign Supreme at Newmarket?
Back Your Favourite at Newmarket this weekend

Back Your Favourite at Newmarket this weekend
The Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1) at Newmarket (Saturday, 3:00 PM) is one of the most anticipated two-year-old races in the calendar — a race that has produced legends like Frankel and Too Darn Hot. This year’s renewal looks packed with future stars, and punters are already lining up to find the next champion.
Let’s break down the leading contenders for you.
Distant Storm
Form: 1-3-1
Odds: 5/2 (at time of writing)
Why Puntit Users Are Watching:
Charlie Appleby’s €1.9 million colt has done nothing but impress. Two of his wins have come at Newmarket, showing he relishes the track, and his dominant display in the Group 3 Tattersalls Stakes stamped him as a top prospect.
Strengths:
- Proven at Newmarket (both courses)
- Electric turn of foot
- William Buick in the saddle
Weaknesses:
- Yet to face Group 1 opposition
- Lower ratings compared to Gstaad and Zavateri
JackpotMoments Insight: Distant Storm is a potential improver, and if the ground stays sound, Appleby’s colt could deliver another powerhouse display.
Gstaad
Form: 1-1-2-2
Odds: 100/30
Why He’s a Danger:
Aidan O’Brien rarely misses in the Dewhurst — having trained five winners in the last decade — and Gstaad brings serious form. After storming home in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, he’s since been narrowly denied in two Group 1s.
Strengths:
- Trained by O’Brien, who knows how to win this
- Proven at the top level
Weaknesses:
- Still chasing Zavateri for bragging rights
- Hasn’t raced beyond 6f yet
JackpotMoments Insider Note: Expect Gstaad to be popular in the betting — O’Brien’s juveniles always attract strong support.

Zavateri
Form: 1-1-1-1
Odds: 100/30
The One They All Have to Beat:
Unbeaten in four starts and already a Group 1 winner, Zavateri brings the class and courage you need for a race like this. Trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, this colt has shown heart, pace, and consistency — all at a bargain £35,000 purchase price.
Strengths:
- Only Group 1 winner in the field
- Proven under pressure
- Top-rated horse here
Weaknesses:
- Tackles the Rowley Mile for the first time
- Needs to hit the same RPR levels as past Dewhurst greats
JackpotMoments Verdict: The value play. Zavateri’s mix of talent and toughness makes him a major contender. Don’t be surprised if he goes off favourite come race time.
Oxagon
Form: 5-1-2
Odds: 8/1
Why He’s the Dark Horse:
John and Thady Gosden’s Frankel colt brings a pedigree packed with promise. His second to future Group 1 winner Puerto Rico in the Champagne Stakes looks even stronger after Longchamp weekend. With Oisin Murphy taking the reins, he’s no outsider.
Strengths:
- Blue-blooded pedigree (Frankel x Dubawi)
- Major form boost from Champagne Stakes
- Top jockey booked
Weaknesses:
- Beaten by Distant Storm earlier this season
- Still rated below the market leaders
JackpotMoments Angle: If you like big returns for small stakes, Oxagon could surprise at each-way odds.
Others to Note
- Italy (Aidan O’Brien): Consistent, knocking on the door of a big one.
- Alparslan (Karl Burke): Unbeaten in two, now stepping up in class.
- Gewan (Andrew Balding): Won the Acomb and could improve again.
JackpotMoments Verdict: Who Wins the Dewhurst Stakes?
Zavateri has that unteachable grit — the kind that wins Group 1s — and his unbeaten record might just stay intact. Gstaad will push him hard, and Distant Storm could be a huge danger if he improves again on familiar turf.
Prediction: Zavateri, Gstaad, Distant Storm