Battersea has a touch of class and looks worth a wager at 22/1 in the Ebor Handicap at York today (4.00).
Roger Varian’s charge landed a competitive handicap at Meydan back in February before running a blinder in a Group 3 contest at the same venue when staying on in eye-catching fashion to finish a 4 1/2 length fourth of 14 to the now 113-rated Sheikhzayedroad.
It was a terrific effort given how the race panned out and there was also lots to like about the five-year-old’s run Newmarket when fourth to Big Orange in the Group 2 Princess of Wales’s Stakes following a 126 day break.
After being held-up well off the pace Battersea kept on nicely to be nearest at the finish and beaten 6 1/2 lengths.
The winner has since gone on to land the Goodwood Cup for a second time and the third home Exosphere was 119 going into the contest and has since finished a fine fifth behind Postponed in the Group 1 Juddmonte Stakes earlier in the week.
That is strong form and Battersea has since been far from disgraced in the Group 3 Geoffery Stakes where despite finishing last of five when thinsg didn’t go his way.
He should now be spot on to do himself justice and connections are also now fitting him with a hood for the first time.
If the headgear has the desired effect he looks on a workable off a mark of 107 on the pick of his form now dropped back into handicap company.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Battersea (22/1 BetVictor, Sky Bet – BOG, enhanced placed terms 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4,5)