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Charlie Hills happy with Battaash ahead of Nunthorpe

Jim Crowley looks round for dangers after riding Battaash to win the Qatar King George Stakes
Image: Jim Crowley looks round for dangers after riding Battaash to win the Qatar King George Stakes

Charlie Hills is eagerly looking forward to taking on Lady Aurelia in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes with his new sprinting star Battaash.

The three-year-old has made great strides this season, winning twice at Sandown before spreadeagling a top-class field in the King George Stakes at Goodwood.

Versatile regarding ground, he appears to just have one stumbling block on the Knavesmire, the American speedball Lady Aurelia, winner of the King's Stand at Royal Ascot.

"Battaash has come out of his win at Goodwood really well and we are looking forward to York now," said Hills.

"He isn't a horse who a needs a lot of work between his races so it is a case of ticking him over and keeping him in good form.

"I am happy with him. We were obviously delighted with his performance at Goodwood. He showed that he goes on any ground and beat a number of very good horses.

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"It is not going to be easy at York - Lady Aurelia is obviously very good but there are plenty of other top sprinters in there too. Clashes like this are what racing is all about and we are looking forward to it."

reopens Paul Midgley has not decided whether to let Final Venture have a crack at the big two. Seventh to Battaash at Goodwood, Midgley felt the ground was too soft and if it is similar on the Knavesmire he could swerve it altogether. "He's come out of Goodwood well, but he hated the ground," said Midgley. "I still don't know if we'll run him in the Nunthorpe, but I suppose unless the ground is horrible we probably will. "The problem is the front two in the betting are very good horses, you're not just banking on one under-performing. "If he doesn't go, there are races like the Beverley Bullet or the Abergwaun Stakes in Ireland for him."

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