Ascot Gold Cup Considered For Churchill's Group 3 Winner

Yashin (6g Churchill – Mirdhak, by Dansili) made a perfect start for new connections in Wednesday’s Group 3 Sagaro Stakes, a trial for the Ascot Gold Cup.

Previously a Group 3 winner for Jessica Harrington, the Churchill gelding joined Michael Bell last autumn and was partnered by Callum Shepherd on his stable debut. The bay made headway before two furlongs out and was ridden a furlong later, running on to head the favourite Coltrane (Mastercraftsman). Yashin kept on to beat the multiple Group winner, who had won the last two runnings, by a length.

“He wasn't 100 per cent ready today and the Gold Cup needs to be considered,” assistant trainer Nick Bell said after the race. “He's going to have to take on Kyprios, who has had the beating of him before, but after beating Coltrane today it's got to be an option. He'd have to go up another half mile but I don't see why he wouldn't get it. The Melbourne Cup could be on the agenda as well.”

The son of Churchill is the best performer bred by Gerry Byrne out of the unraced mare Mirdhak.