Highly Rated Filly Leads Super Saturday For Churchill

The progressive Madame Ambassador (4f Churchill - Lady Jane Digby, by Oasis Dream) shaped like a future Stakes winner when taking the valuable Premier Fillies’ Handicap at Newmarket on Saturday.

An impressive course and distance winner last time out, Charlie Johnston’s representative boasted a rating of 92 before the off and went on to defy her recent seven pound rise in good style under Franny Norton. The last two winners of the race, Al Husn and Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock), went on to win at Group 1 level. Owned and bred by Kirsten Rausing, Madame Ambassador is closely related to the talented Galapiat (Galileo).

Another smart prospect emerged for Churchill at the Curragh, where Letherfly (2f Churchill - Tammy Wynette, by Tamayuz) made an impressive debut in the six furlong maiden.

Colin Keane was forced to bide his time aboard Noel Meade’s newcomer, as he faced a wall of horses approaching the final furlong, but his mount produced a smart turn of foot once she saw daylight. Leading inside the final 110 yards, she ran on well to win by a length and a half from Four Blondes (Gleneagles).

“She’s a lovely filly,” Noel Meade said after the race. “She’s by a good sire and has been doing things well, but needs time.”

Bred by Gerrardstown House Stud, the smart juvenile was provides a timely update for her brother by Fastnet Rock, who sells at the upcoming Tattersalls Book 2 Sale.

Back at Newmarket later that afternoon, Hand Of God (2c Churchill - Barter, by Daylami) ran out a commanding winner of the mile maiden under Kevin Stott.

Racing prominently throughout, the 145,000gns yearling was travelling well approaching the two furlong pole and was pushed along to lead soon after. Running on well when asked, he kept on to win comfortably by two and a half lengths, with another two and a quarter lengths back to the third.

Hand Of God is owned by Mohammed Jaber and was bred by Fittocks Stud.