TOP jockey Jim Crowley can’t wait to get back in the driving seat of his Bat-mobile.
Flying sprinter Battaash is gunning for back-to-back wins in the King’s Stand Stakes, one of three Group 1s at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.
Crowley has steered the Charlie Hills-trained seven-year-old to nine wins during a stellar career.
The horse suffered a small fracture to a joint over the winter, meaning he has been unable to get a prep run in.
But Crowley has no concerns and is hoping for a big performance in front of 12,000 punters next week.
He said: “I can’t wait, I’m itching to get back on him. He’s an absolute dude of a horse.
“He was brilliant last year winning this and at Goodwood and York.
“He’s not getting any younger – but he’s not slowing down either.
“He’s won first time out in the past and won the King’s Stand fresh last year, so the fact we haven’t managed to get a run in beforehand isn’t an issue.
“He bounces off fast ground so this warm weather is a big help to him, too.
“Hopefully he can put on a show for the crowd – it’ll be great to have them back.”
Battaash has been well-backed in the lead-up to the Royal meeting, with several bookies reporting strong support.
Coral’s Dave Stevens said: “Battaash finally won his first King’s Stand 12 months ago.
“The speedster has been pleasing Charlie Hills in recent weeks, and Jim Crowley’s mount has shortened to 6-4 favourite for a repeat success on Tuesday.”
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