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JOY OF SIX

Charlie Hills’ Battaash set for Royal Ascot then possible clash with Harry Angel in the July Cup

Battaash was a thrilling winner of the Temple Stakes at Haydock on Saturday

TOP-CLASS sprinter Battaash could be set for a step up in trip following his Royal Ascot run.

Trainer Charlie Hills was thrilled with his comeback run at Haydock on Saturday, where despite a slow start, Battaash recorded a narrow victory.

 Battaash was a thrilling winner of the Temple Stakes at Haydock on Saturday
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Battaash was a thrilling winner of the Temple Stakes at Haydock on SaturdayCredit: PA:Press Association

That was his first start since destroying the field in Chantilly and his first start since a wind op.

Connections reckon there is plenty more to come from him this summer, and he could be stepping into the slight unknown.

Next up is the King's Stand at Royal Ascot over five furlongs but he could then try an extra furlong in the July Cup which may see him go into battle with Harry Angel at Newmarket.

Hills told Racing UK’s Luck on Sunday programme: “We’ll have to go to the King’s Stand now. And if it that goes well, I’d love to have a crack at the July Cup.


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“I think that track should suit him – you need to have speed to come down that hill there – and it will be great for the sport to have a clash with Harry Angel.”

Battaash has run over five furlongs on 10 of his 11 career starts.

His only attempt at six came back in September 2016 when finishing third at Doncaster as a two-year-old.

However, it wasn't until his three-year-old season that Battaash emerged as a sprinting star.

Four wins from five starts last season ended with a demolition job in the Group 1 Prix de l'Abbaye.

Michael Owen​ came off his horse twice as he​ took to the gallops of the British Racing School in Newmarket
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