Is Hand Of God the proverbial Group horse in a handicap? Analysis and trainer quotes for Suffolk Stakes

This contest has long been won by good quality handicappers, but the level needed to succeed has jumped up a notch in recent years.

The average winning Racing Post Rating in the last ten years is 106.9, which rises to 110 when considering the last four runnings. The last two winners were improving four-year-olds, with 2023 scorer King Of Conquest winning a Listed race on his next start and last year's winner Liberty Lane went on to carry top weight to victory in the Cambridgeshire.

We're effectively looking for a Group horse masquerading as a handicapper, and the most obvious candidate is the Harry Charlton-trained Hand Of God.

He was sighted only twice last year, winning the Esher Cup over a mile before relishing the step up to 1m2f for an authoritative victory in the Golden Gates at Royal Ascot, taking his record to three wins from five starts.

He returns from a long layoff rated 11lb higher, but he recorded an RPR of 106 for that last win and his best-performing siblings achieved their peak figures as a four-year-old, so the best is yet to come.

Approval finished behind Hand Of God at Royal Ascot but bounced back to land the Kincsem Handicap at Glorious Goodwood. He's 9lb better off with his old rival but has 12 lengths to find, so it's unlikely the form will be reversed.

Hand Of God's biggest danger could be Arabian Light, trained by Charlie Appleby, who has won with two of his five runners in this race. The four-year-old has wintered in Dubai, where he recorded a career-high RPR of 106 when beating the reopposing Sean by half a length.

Bopedro warrants respect as one of only two course winners in the field, alongside Hand Of God, especially with the visor refitted, while Galeron was capable of smart form in his first spell with Charlie Hills (fourth in 2,000 Guineas) and could be involved if able to build on an encouraging return to Britain in the Lincoln.
Analysis by Harry Wilson

What they say

William Buick, rider of Arabian Light
He’s progressive and this will show us just how progressive he is.

Jamie Osborne, trainer of Sean
On one of his good days he is capable of going close. His form in Dubai looks very solid, and the likely fast ground will suit him. If he gets a fast-run race and enjoys a bit of luck then he wouldn’t be without a shout.

Harry Charlton, trainer of Hand Of God
He was very impressive at Ascot and unfortunately he had a little niggle afterwards which kept him off the track. We didn’t see the point in bringing him back for soft ground in October or running on the all-weather, and decided to aim him at a race like this. It’s a good starting point for him. He has a good record, won well at Newmarket as a two-year-old and will stay further.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Galeron
It was a likeable return in the Lincoln. He finished off his race very well that day. The extra trip at Newmarket will suit and I’ve been happy with him since Doncaster.

Georginio Rutter: Brighton playmaker is the owner of BopedroCredit: Laura Green

David O’Meara, trainer of Bopedro
He likes Newmarket. He’s not getting any younger, but seems in good form.

William Haggas, trainer of Approval
He's done very well. He's had a good winter and is ready to go. He likes the ground and the trip is perfect for him. There's a couple of well handicapped horses in there, but he should run a good race.

Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power Racing, owners of Fox Legacy
He was a late-maturing, typical Sir Michael Stoute type. He won very impressively at Salisbury by 12 lengths and things didn't quite pan out for him after that. He's been training well and we think he's still progressive.

Jack Channon, trainer of Metallo
He’s a horse we’ve always liked, but we've come to the conclusion he’s been thinking about things too much so we’re putting the blinkers on. He’s worked really well in them at home.
Reporting by Richard Birch

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