Royal Ascot 2019
 ascot racecourse

Friday 7th June 2019
Speedster Battaash set to land Kings Stand Stakes following impressive comeback

The Charles Hills trained Battaash has been a bit of an enigma for much of his career but on his day he is possibly the most talented sprinter in training. You only have to look at his 2017 victory in the Prix de L’Abbaye, in which he destroyed a high class Group one field by four lengths. He put in a similar performance in the King George Qatar Stakes last season, in between a very in and out season.

This saw him open up as the general 6/1 second favourite for the Kings Stand this season, as he looked to improve upon his second from last year. There are many betting sites offers in UK, so it was no surprise he was well supported ante post. Following a wind surgery, there were several reports from the yard that he was in flying form prior to making his recent appearance. His trainer believed we would see a different horse this season, in comparison to in the past where he has got worked up on numerous occasions prior to the race.

Battaash was again looking to land the Temple Stakes on his reappearance, that included opposition in the likes of last year’s Prix de L’Abbaye winner Mabs Cross and AW Sprint Champion Kachy. Both horses entered the race match fit, which was another indication of the task at hand for the returning Battaash. He looked very well before the race, taking the preliminary’s  with ease, which led to him continuing to be very well supported in the run up to the race.

Battaash was eventually sent off 5/6 for the race, in which he travelled ominously well behind the leaders for the opening few furlongs. He then eased into the lead on the bridle well over two furlongs out, before being pushed three lengths clear. He was then well in command inside the final furlong and barely had to be pushed out by his jockey Jim Crowley. This was an incredibly eye catching performance, and if he can perform like this again at Ascot, then he is going to take the world of beating.

This performance saw him slashed into the general 9/4 favourite for Royal Ascot and as short as 7/4 in places. It also sets up for a fascinating rematch with Blue Point, in what looks to be one of the most exciting upcoming races off the entire week.