Dark Angel’s Battaash Leaves King George Rivals In His Dust

[Wandering Eyes]

   In an exhibition of pure sprinting prowess, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum’s Battaash (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) brought all his power to bear on his rivals on Friday to register back-to-back successes in Goodwood’s G2 King George Qatar S. Sent off the 8-11 favourite following his latest second in the June 19 G1 King’s Stand S. at Royal Ascot, the 4-year-old was in front before he had raced two furlongs and clear soon after. At the line, there was a four-length margin separating him and the 2014 and 2016 winner of this race Take Cover (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}), with the 2015 winner Muthmir (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) in third, a half length away. “He’s a man now and I’m so pleased with the way he is behaving,” trainer Charlie Hills commented. “It will be York [for the Aug. 24 G1 Nunthorpe S.], then Ireland [for the Sept. 16 G1 Flying Five at The Curragh] and France [for the Oct. 7 G1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp].”

BATTAASH (IRE), 131, g, 4, by Dark Angel (Ire)
1st Dam: Anna Law (Ire), by Lawman (Fr)
2nd Dam: Portelet (GB), by Night Shift
3rd Dam: Noirmant (Ire), by Dominion (GB)
(200,000gns Ylg ’15 TAOCT). O-Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum; B-Ballyphilip Stud (IRE); T-Charles Hills; J-Jim Crowley. £176,935. Lifetime Record: Hwt. 3yo-Fr at 5-7f & G1SW-Fr, G1SP-Eng, 13-7-1-3, £790,326.

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