York Races tips: Ruby Walsh and Paddy Power question Battaash chances

Battaash is gunning for glory once again in the Group 1 Nunthorpe at York Races on Friday, but the lads on From The Horse’s Mouth podcast are still not fully convinced.

He’s the big favourite for the race with Art Power and A’Ali offering the best challenges, according to the market. Paddy Power’s opposing Battaash and Ruby’s wondering if Jim Crowley’s ride will have recovered from his incredible clock-busting performance at Goodwood last time out.

We think it’s 7/2 that he goes sub-55.90 and breaks his own record here. The official going isn’t helping his chances in this regard and the weather – specifically the wind – could also play a big part.

You can listen to the whole conversation on our special Ebor Festival preview pod below.

Previewing Battaash’s chances, Ruby said: “There’s no doubt he’s is the fastest horse in training but you’re thinking has breaking 55 seconds at Goodwood left its mark on Battaash?

“That is the only way Art Power will beat him. That must have taken some effort to run that speed, put up a career-best and break 55 seconds for a sprinter is incredible so I just wonder will that have left its mark? And, if it has, Art Power will beat him.”

Paddy agreed there are chinks in the armour and is on Art Power, but maybe for reasons not quite as scientific – or logical – as Ruby’s!

“It looks like it’s going to be between Battaash and Art Power, Battaash is going to be very short,” Paddy said on From The Horse’s Mouth. “For some reason, I can’t put my finger on it, I just don’t like Battaash.

“I really don’t like him as a horse, I don’t know why. I’ve never backed him, that’s probably why! For that reason, I’m going to go for Art Power.

“It’s probably a match for him and Art Power is on the up, definitely. It’s really improving. Battaash, you can’t argue with the record he has but I just think Art Power, why not? The Nunthorpe does throw up some odd results and the ground can change very quickly at York as well. Art Power is the one I’m going for.”

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