Look No Further Than The Brilliant Telescope

Punters are certainly latching on the “Ryan Moore” factor at Royal Ascot this week, hence why his ride in Saturday’s Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes (3.40), Telescope, lines-up as the 11/10 favourite.

Telescope Zooming In On Second Hardwicke

Sir Michael Stoute certainly knows what it takes to win this race having landed it five times during the last 10 years, including with Telescope 12 month ago. This 5yo hosed up by 7l from Hillstar (12/1) on that occasion, and another bold show looks on the cards following his 6l Listed win over Saturday’s trip at Newbury last month.

That victory would have boosted Telescope’s confidence no end, and the fact he proved his fitness during the last 45 days has been an asset in this down the years.

Trends Summary

Of the last 10 Hardwicke winners…

10 were drawn in stalls 3 or higher – stalls 1 & 2 were 0-20
9 returned 8/1 or shorter
9 were officially rated 111 or higher
9 ran during last 45 days
8 won during last three runs
8 won over 1m4f
Sir M Stoute won it five times, A O’Brien twice

Eagle To Fly Back Over 1m4f

Standing in Telescope’s way of back-to-back Harwicke wins is John Gosden’s, Eagle Top (7/2), who won the King Edward VII over C&D 12 months ago (good to firm). Although a touch disappointing on his return at Sandown three weeks ago when stepped back at 1m2f, he was entitled to need that following 10 months off.

Stoute also has a decent third string in Snow Sky (12/1), who has been given a chance to make up for a disappointing fourth in the King Edward behind Eagle Top here last year. That was forgotten when this 4yo took a Group 2 at York last month (1m6f), though having also been third in the St Leger, the short run-in over 1m4f may catch him out.

Postponed To Relish Conditions

One who will better suited to 1m4f is Luca Cumani’s 4yo colt, Postponed (7/2), who won a Group 2 at York last August (1m4f, good to firm), and was only beaten 1/2l in last month’s Group 1 Gold Cup at the Curragh (1m2f, good). A repeat of that effort back in this Group 2 could be good enough, and the firm ground is a bonus.

Meanwhile, punters looking for each-way value at double-figure odds may want to consider David Simcock’s, Sheikhzayedroad (20/1), who won a Canadian Grade 1 last September. True, he has yet to recapture that form this season, but the firm ground will suit.

Recommended Bets

With Ryan Moore delivering for punters throughout the week, it’s hard to not be with Telescope making it back-to-back Hardwicke victories. Having been there and done it, he arrives in winning form and will love the ground.