Horsebetting.com tips for the 2018 King George Qatar Stakes say Battaash is a worthy favourite to retain his crown in the Group 2 contest on day four of Glorious Goodwood. Havana Grey looks the one most likely to take advantage should he fail to live up to expectations in the 5f feature contest on Friday, 3 August. The Aidan O’Brien trained Sioux Nation appeals each-way. For full details, read our in-depth 2018 King George Qatar Stakes betting tips preview.Defending champ Battaash impossible to oppose in King George Qatar Stakes Battaash looks in a different league to his rivals and a worthy favourite to land back-to-back runnings of the Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes over the flying 5f at Glorious Goodwood on Friday (15:35).
The Charlie Hills trained sprinter put in a sensational performance in this 12 months ago when easily beating Profitable by 2 1/4 lengths. Battaash quickened twice, once to take up the running and again inside the last when changing gear to put the race firmly to bed.
It was a breathtaking display and the son of Dark Angel went on to round off the campaign another electric show of speed when making virtually all to slam Marsha by four lengths in the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye at Chantilly.
Battaash comes into this year’s renewal having had just two starts. In the first of those, he had to dig deep to beat Washington DC by a head in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock. However, his handler said that he was badly in need of the run and would come on a bundle for it.
That proved to be the case as the four-year-old lost little in defeat last time out when finding only Blue Point 1 3/4 lengths too good in the 14-runner Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot. Battaash showed his customary early dash to lead the field a merry dance and kept on well when headed inside the last.
This is far weaker and Battaash’s official rating of 122 puts him 10lb and upwards clear of his rivals. It makes him impossible to oppose, despite his tendency to play-up at the start. Providing he can keep those antics in check, this looks his for the taking.Havana Grey the forecast choiceIf the real Battaash turns up, then it will be a case of who chases him home for the forecast spot. Course and distance winner Havana Grey looks the answer and the one most likely to take advantage if the red-hot jolly does fail to live up to expectations.
The Karl Burke trained three-year-old made all and stayed on strongly to land the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes at this meeting 12 months ago by 1 3/4 lengths. He went on to finish a fine second in a Group 1 in France and has gradually worked his way back to form in three starts this season.
In the second of those, he kept on nicely to finish a 4 1/4 lengths sixth to Battassh in the aforementioned Temple Stakes. Havana Grey confirmed the promise of that run when resuming winnings ways in a Group 2 at The Curragh last month when beating Caspian Prince by a length.
This demands much more, but Havana Grey has a good strike rate having won five of his 11 starts and should be capable of better. However, he receives only 3lb from Battaash – who is rated 10lb his superior – so has a mountain to climb to turn around the Temple Stakes form.Sioux Nation the each-way optionAnything saddled by Aidan O’Brien always commands the utmost respect, so his Sioux Nation looks a solid each-way player following a fine run last time out when fifth to stable companion U S Navy Flag in the Group 1 July Cup over 6f at Newmarket.
After being held-up, the three-year-old son of Scat Daddy stayed on well to be beaten 2 3/4 lengths without having the pace to land a serious blow. He had some very smart performers in-behind, including King’s Stand winner Blue Point, and the form of the race reads well in the context of this lower grade affair.
The drop back to the minimum trip may also well suit Sioux Nation, as he is one from two over it having landed the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot as a juvenile. This race is also sure to be run at a strong pace. That should suit Sioux Nation as he stays further, so at the odds on offer he gets our each-way vote in this.Your Next Bet
