Shannon Stakes assignment for God’s In Him

God’s Own galloper God’s In Him has earned a Group 2 assignment after completing a hat-trick at Rosehill on Saturday.

The Team Hawkes sprinter launched a late burst to defeat Nevagotavote by a half-head in the TAB Rewards Hcp (1400m).  The lightly-raced gelding was racing first-up since a Randwick double in May & June.

“He’s had some issues,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.  “But he looks a picture now and is a serious horse.”

Hawkes confirmed God’s In Him will race next in the G2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on September 26.  “He went amiss more than once as a younger horse but we persevered.  If he hadn’t showed any ability, he would have been moved on.”

God’s In Him (6g God’s Own – Sinistra by Dracula) is part-owned by Michael’s wife Claire and he has earned $211,310 – a nice mark-up on a $40,000 price-tag at the Gold Coast Magic Millions.

Victory in the $175,000 Shannon Stakes will continue the great start by God’s Own this season.  The Greta West Stud stallion has sired the winners of 16 races since August 1 and his 7th stakes winner arrived when By The Grace won the LR Balaklava Cup on September 2.

Tasmanian sprinter Concrete Johnny completed a winning weekend for God’s Own at Devonport on Sunday and he will head to the mainland later this month.  Connections have earmarked a 955m sprint at Moonee Valley on Friday week, September 25.

Concrete Johnny (4g God’s Own – El Milagro by Encosta De Lago) established a big break on his rivals at Devonport and they never looked like catching him over 1150m.  He has won 7 times in 17 starts for trainer Terry Evans and senior part-owner Adam Upton and they have the option of racing at Geelong on Sunday, September 27 if he doesn’t get at start at Moonee Valley.

God’s Own (Redoute’s Choice) is standing for a $4,400 (inc gst) fee at Greta West Stud this year.