CHARLIE HILLS reckons sprint king Battaash is back to his best ahead of Glorious Goodwood.
His star is aiming for an incredible fifth win at the meeting in the King George Stakes on Friday.
And despite a defeat at Royal Ascot, Hills is pleased as punch with his speedster ahead of the Group 2.
The Lambourn trainer said of the current 11-8 favourite: “He obviously came in later than usual ahead of Ascot, but all things considered I thought he ran a massive race.
“They went very hard early on and was just reeled in over the closing stages.
“It’s a very stiff five there and when they go as hard as they did, it just doesn’t quite suit him.
“He’s been in great form since the King’s Stand, though, and he did a nice bit of work over the weekend which should mean he’s spot on for Friday.
“The ground might get a bit quicker by Friday which will help, and we all know how much he loves the course.
“Everything about it seems to suit him perfectly and it’s very hard for other horses to keep up with him.”
Battaash and Hills have already taken home the King George Stakes trophy home four times. A fifth would go close to matching any of Hills exploits as a handler.
He added: “If he were to get his head in front and win a fifth King George it would mean the world to all of us.
“To win a race at a big meeting like Goodwood five times is some achievement and it would be fantastic to be part of.
“I’ve had some amazing days as a trainer, but if he were to win you’d have to say that would be right up there with everything I’ve achieved so far.”
FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to SE. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
