Progressive Churchill Colt Follows Up At Royal Ascot

Hand Of God (3c Churchill – Barter, by Daylami) maintained an upward curve when recording his third consecutive success in Saturday’s Golden Gate Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Harry Charlton’s charge ended his juvenile campaign with a smart success in a Newmarket maiden and took a step forward on his three-year-old return to land the Esher Cup at Sandown. The Churchill colt was sent off favourite to follow up on Saturday, despite being drawn widest, and was held up at the back of the field by William Buick. Making headway from over two furlongs out, he led a furlong later and was ridden out to score by a length and three quarters. The Aidan O’Brien-trained Cambridge finished second, with another three and a half lengths back to the third horse.

Describing the race, Buick said, “When he picked up early in the straight, he was pretty instant and progressive to the line. He gave me a really good feel. He is a young horse going places.”

“He's got a great mind,” Charlton said of the winner. He's probably due a step up in class. He works with (Hampton Court second) King's Gambit (Saxon Warrior), so we were all quite confident.”

Hand Of God was bought by Roger Charlton as a yearling for 145,000gns and now carries the colours of Mohammed Jaber. Bred by Fittocks Stud, the progressive son of Churchill is a half-brother to highly-rated stayer Lucky Deal (Mastercraftsman).