Six year-old gelding Battaash has chased Blue Point home for second in the Group I King’s Stand (5f) at Royal Ascot for the past two years and this year with his nemesis now retired to stud, the talented son of Dark Angel had his chance to shine.
The Charlie Hills trained sprinter won by two and a quarter lengths over Juddmonte entry Equilateral (Equiano) with three year-old filly Liberty Beaach (Cable Bay) third.
“I had to hold Battaash for two furlongs, he was on a going day and he was wanting to charge off so my only concern was to try to get the fractions right on him, he was quite keen,” said winning rider Jim Crowley.
“There was nothing quick enough to lead him and I was trying to save enough up our sleeve for the finish, which worked out. I was a little bit worried the stiff uphill finish might find him out but he's a real superstar.”
Battaash runs in the Shadwell colours and was a 200,000 guinea purchase from Tattersalls October Yearlings Book Two.
He has the overall record of 11 wins from 21 starts with this victory his third at Group I level.
Battaash is the lone winner from Anna Law, a half-sister by Lawman to Group II winner Etlaala.
Blue Point, the horse who beat Battaash the last two years at Royal Ascot is headed to Australia this spring, the son of Shamardal to stand at Darley Victoria a fee of $44,000
