Hills tempted to delay Battaash’s return to Ascot
Trainer Charlie Hills says Battaash could head straight to the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot this summer.
The four-year-old was last in action in October when he finished fourth in France in the Prix De L’Abbaye De Longchamp. Before that outing, Hills’ stable star had won the King George Stakes at Goodwood for the second season running in August before then failing to shine at York just three weeks later. Battaash has since enjoyed a good break and is still being lined up for the King’s Stand but Hills also admits that his charge may head straight to Ascot. He told reporters: ‘Battaash is in really good form, and I think he’s done much better from four to five than he did from three to four.‘His weight is good, and he looks a picture. He didn’t really get his summer coat until after Royal Ascot last year, whereas this year it’s coming through already. ‘Whether he’ll run before Royal Ascot, I’m not sure. We’re all gearing him up for the King’s Stand. ‘There aren’t many options for him before that. It’s probably the Haydock race he won last year (Temple Stakes) or nothing.’
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Meade pays tribute to Harchibald following superstar hurdler’s death, aged 25
‘Harchi was my favourite horse of all time’.
-
Haggas weighing up options for Sea Just In Time
Exciting filly could be out at Newbury this weekend.
-
Fellowes has sights set on Royal Ascot magic from The Wizard Of Eye
But target at the showpiece meeting yet to be decided.
-
Swingalong back at York to lead Burke attack on sprint prize
Spigot Lodge handler set to be four-handed on the Knavesmire.
-
Sangster upbeat despite Kathmandu’s narrow Classic eclipse
Famous colours went so close in Paris, with Royal Ascot a possible next port of call.
-
Bellum Justum carrying King Power hopes in the Derby
Sea The Stars colt is already a course winner this year.
-
Friendly Soul aiming for Musidora welcome on the Knavesmire
Unbeaten filly impressed at the Guineas meeting.
-
Appleby monitoring York weather ahead of Ancient Wisdom run
Trainer would like to see some rain before Thursday’s Dante Stakes.
-
Inisherin will have exciting options, whatever the next step
Lightly-raced colt delighted connections with 2000 Guineas effort.
-
All roads leading to Royal Ascot for Guineas hero Notable Speech
Appleby delighted with how unbeaten colt has taken Classic exertions.