Tuesday 08 July 2025 5:33 pm

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Hand Of God (red and white silks) came sixth in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot.

SATURDAY sees York stage the John Smith’s Cup (3.10pm) – one of the most valuable Flat handicaps run in Europe.

Worth over £100,000 to the winner, it’s no surprise that entries for this extended mile-and-a-quarter event are full of progressive horses from top yards.

William Haggas’ Archivist heads the betting at 6/1, but he isn’t my idea of an ante-post bet as he still needs a few to come out to be guaranteed a run, and whilst I’ve had this race in mind for Defiance all season, the ground will likely be too quick for him.

The first that catches my eye as a bet is Harry Charlton’s HAND OF GOD at 10/1.

He looked a progressive three-year-old last year and was set for Group races after comfortably winning a 10-furlong Royal Ascot handicap.

Injury meant he wasn’t seen again until his 2025 return, where he was backed off the boards in a Guineas Day handicap, but only able to finish ninth.

At Royal Ascot this year, he stripped fitter and travelled well into the Duke Of Edinburgh, only to be outstayed over a mile-and-a-half behind Willie Mullins’ Ethical Diamond.

Back down to this more suitable trip and with top York jockey Danny Tudhope booked, he must be respected.

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I also like the look of Andrew Balding’s FOX LEGACY at 10/1.

He didn’t set the world alight when trained by Sir Michael Stoute and is one of a few ex-Freemason Lodge inmates to have improved for new yards this term.

After impressively winning a nine-furlong Guineas meeting handicap in May, he ran a big race in the Royal Hunt Cup three weeks ago where he stayed on well over the mile.

Back up in trip, he has a cracking each-way chance as the Balding team look to continue their fantastic recent form.

POINTERS                                       SATURDAY

Hand Of God e/w                          3.10pm                 York

Fox Legacy e/w                               3.10pm                York

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