Sprint star Battaash aims to blow King George rivals away again

Battaash returns to the scene of one of his most impressive performances on Friday when he bids to land back-to-back renewals of the Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood.

Owned by Hamdan Al Maktoum, Battaash left his rivals wondering which way he went in the five-furlong contest last year, producing an effort that marked him out as a sprinter of considerable ability.

Watch Battaash win at Goodwood last year

He takes on ten rivals on Friday as he aims to recapture the brilliance he showed at Goodwood, and subsequently at Chantilly, where he tore the field apart in the Prix de l'Abbaye.

Writing in his exclusive Racing Post Weekender column, Charlie Hills, trainer of Battaash, said: "I’m really, really pleased with him. He’s moving like a dream and I think it’s the best we’ve had him this year."

Dual winner Take Cover is among the rivals to Battaash, while the lightning-quick pair of Kachy and Havana Grey also feature on Friday.

Humbert was not declared for the Unibet Golden Mile, with Escobar and Seniority vying for favouritism instead after picking up favourable draws for Friday's big handicap.

Escobar is in stall two, with stablemate Mythical Madness on his inside, while Seniority, representing William Haggas, Ryan Moore and the Queen, will break from gate three.

The pair head the market at 6-1, with Fire Brigade a 7-1 shot and last year's winner Master The World 10-1 to retain his title.

Read Charlie Hills' exclusive thoughts on his runners every week in the Racing Post Weekender. Out Wednesday