Hills tempted to delay Battaash’s return to Ascot

Horse Racing
Battaash tipped to make history

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.’

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