Battaash bids to thrill Goodwood again | Racing News

Battaash bids to thrill the Goodwood crowds once more with an unprecedented fifth triumph within the King George Qatar Stakes.

The seven-year-old secured his place in Goodwood historical past when successful his fourth version of the Group Two dash final summer time, though solely a handful of individuals witnessed his triumph as a result of coronavirus restrictions meant there have been no racegoers on track.

Spectators are again in pressure on the Sussex Downs this week, although, and Battaash will probably be making an attempt to regain the successful thread on Friday – after having to accept fourth within the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on his return.

Regardless of that two-and-a-half-length defeat, Angus Gold, racing supervisor for homeowners Shadwell Property, was greater than happy with Battaash’s effort after a setback throughout the winter had delayed his return to coach Charlie Hills’ care.

Gold mentioned: “It was properly documented that he hadn’t been again in coaching lengthy earlier than Ascot, so it did not shock me that he wanted it. I truly thought he ran notably properly, contemplating.

“He confirmed us all his outdated sprint was nonetheless there – he appeared very comfortable to be again on the races, behaved himself properly, so there have been numerous positives to take out of it. They went very, very exhausting – he sat simply behind them, got here by to take it up and simply blew up and acquired drained.

“Hopefully he has come on from that. It is an apparent truth he is not getting any youthful and at some stage he’ll begin to decelerate, however hopefully not but.”

Battaash is a four-time Group One winner and was unbeaten in three outings final time period, rounding off with a size victory within the Nunthorpe Stakes at York earlier than a attainable Breeders’ Cup problem was dominated out.

The Darkish Angel gelding has additionally been positioned a number of instances on the highest degree in a profession which started with a Bathtub novice win as a juvenile again in 2016.

Nevertheless, Gold admits it is going to be a “particular” second if Battaash can additional add to his Goodwood laurels – notably with a crowd in attendance.

Final season additionally noticed Stradivarius win a 3rd Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, whereas Allow grew to become the primary triple victor within the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes – different notable achievements which had been largely witnessed on TV relatively than in particular person.

Gold added: “It will be particular for everybody – it does not occur fairly often. It will be very particular if he might pull it off.

“It is already fairly exceptional, 4 years in a row – so if he can do yet another, that might be even higher clearly.

“It is nice for racing – him, Stradivarius and Allow final yr. We had been blessed final yr, and sadly nobody might witness it, so let’s hope we will make up for it this yr.”

The market suggests Archie Watson’s three-year-old Dragon Image is Battaash’s essential rival – however he’s dropping down in journey after two creditable efforts in Group Ones over six furlongs.

One who brings top-class five-furlong type to the desk is Kevin Ryan’s Glass Slippers, winner of the Flying 5 in Eire and on the Breeders’ Cup final yr, whereas John Quinn has two dwell each-way possibilities in Liberty Seashore and Preserve Busy.

Arecibo has improved 21lb since his change to Robert Cowell this season – and after ending second within the King’s Stand two begins in the past, dash king Cowell is hoping for one more daring present.

“I could not have dreamt what he is achieved to this point for us this yr,” Cowell informed Sky Sports activities Racing.

“He’d been working very properly up till the purpose of going to Newmarket (in April), and we thought he was a little bit of a handicap good factor there, however to progress to the King’s Stand and be second there was sensible.

“It was no fluke as he backed it up with an excellent efficiency at Sandown.

“It is a more durable race, however we really feel a greater race will make him a greater horse. We’re trying ahead to it – the bottom is true, and we’re going with a bit of little bit of hope.”