BATT OUT OF HELL!

BATTAASH was slashed to 2-1 for the top-level Nunthorpe Stakes at York on 25 August after blitzing his rivals in the King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

The Charlie Hills-trained threeyear-old (left), taking on Group 2 opposition for the first time, shot clear under Jim Crowley to beat Profitable by two-and-a-quarter lengths.

“I don’t think I’ve ridden a better sprinter,” enthused the champion jockey. “I went to ride work on him at Charlie’s and it was like riding a motorbike up the gallops.

“He’s got plenty left in the tank.”

Hills added: “I was delighted with his performance. He’s a three-year-old who’s improving and going through the ranks.

“It’s the Nunthorpe next, all being well — I think five furlongs at York should really suit him.”