Battaash set to bolt for glory

BATTAASH (York, 3.15) has shattered more sprinting records than Usain Bolt of late and will understandably be short odds to land another Group One prize in today’s Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes. The world’s top-rated sprinter smashed the legendary Dayjur’s 1990 track record in this afternoon’s feature 12 months ago and his devastating performance in landing a historic four-timer in Goodwood’s King George Stakes caused another track record to tumble last month. The Knavesmire hasn’t always been the happiest of hunting grounds for the Charlie Hills-trained speedball but in last year’s renewal he scorched to an emphatic defeat of Soldier’s Call, a performance the handicappers rated on a par with anything Battaash has achieved at his beloved Goodwood. With upwards of 11lb in hand on his seven rivals on official ratings, the sixyear-old will bid to follow this week’s Yorkshire Oaks winner Love and land Group One success at prohibitive odds. Unlike the seemingly bombproof Love, Battaash can sometimes be his own worst enemy. His temperament has been known to overtake him on race day, causing the engine to overheat. However, he looks more of a complete model these days and the lack of spectators this summer has allowed his fragile disposition to remain in check with marquee track performances the pleasing result. A’Ali is a cracking sprinter in his own right and might emerge best of the rest, while it would be no great surprise to see trailblazer Ornate hang on at a huge price and nick a place.