'If you sit on Battaash . . . it's a different kettle of fish altogether'

Battaash, connections would be the first to admit, has taken some training. If Charlie Hills ever needed any help tracing through the lightning-quick gelding's family tree for hints and tips, he has the perfect pair to call on in Bob Grace and John 'Bluey' Cannon.

The two men, longstanding mainstays at Faringdon Place, first for Hills' father Barry and now the current incumbent, looked after Battaash's sire and dam, with Grace responsible for Middle Park winner Dark Angel and Cannon caring for Anna Law, whose career ended with an official rating of 45.

Grace, who started with the Hills family on January 1, 1987, is perhaps best placed to offer a view as he now also looks after Battaash, who is among the potential stars of the 2018 Flat season.