Battaash blitzes Nunthorpe field

Battaash has made it third time lucky in the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes at York in which Coolmore’s Everest hopeful Ten Sovereigns has run sixth.

The Charlie Hills-trained Battaash smashed the course record for five furlongs (1000m), running 55.90s.

Leading two furlongs out under Jim Crowley, Battaash (7-4) spreadeagled the field as he cruised to victory by 3-3/4 lengths from Soldier’s Call.

Ten Sovereigns, the 13-8 favourite who has been the leading contender to run in Coolmore’s slot in the $14 million Everest on October 19 at Randwick, was up with the leaders early but weakened inside the final furlong.

Hills said Battaash was like to run next at The Curragh in the Flying Five next month when he is likely to meet Australian sprinter Houtzen.

The mare ran second to Battaash in a Group Two race at Goodwood but missed the Nunthorpe with an elevated temperature.

“He’s obviously been gelded so we can come back here again next year,” Hills said.

“I’d love to go to Ireland with him in a few weeks and then hopefully go to France and why not the Breeder’s Cup.”