Report: Royal Ascot, Saturday

Harwicke Stakes (Group 2) 1m4f, 4yo+

Sea Moon produced a blistering display to credit Sir Michael Stoute with his second Royal Ascot winner of the week in the Hardwicke.

The 3-1 favourite was beautifully positioned in midfield for much of the race by Ryan Moore and, after being angled around the field as they turned into the straight, soon hit the front and scooted clear to win by three and a quarter lengths.

Sea Moon wins the Hardwicke from Dunaden (yellow) and Red Cadeaux, picture Liesl King

Dunaden, well-backed into 9-2, ran on strongly from off the pace into third, while Red Cadeaux faded into an honourable third at 9-1.

The win moved Moore into clear leadership in the race for the Royal Ascot jockeys' crown.

Sea Moon had only scrambled home on his Goodwood reappearance at 2-7 in May and Stoute admitted: "I am delighted with that performance.

"There was mitigation at Goodwood and I think he got bit lazy at home as well but he settled nicely and I was thrilled with him today," he said.

Sea Moon, picture Liesl King

"I was disappointed with him at Goodwood but Ryan said not to ride him like that again."

Moore added: "I thought he may have his work cut out today but he travelled really smoothly and picked up really well. The trainer has been very patient." 


£200,000, Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes (2400m) For 4yo+: 1st: £113,420; 2nd: £43,000; 3rd: £21,520; 4th: £10,720; 5th: £5,380; 6th: £2,700
 
1)  SEA MOON (Khalid Abdulla) Sir Michael Stoute 4-9-00 Ryan Moore [3] 3/1 Fav
2)  DUNADEN (FR) (Pearl Bloodstock Ltd) Mikel Delzangles FR 6-9-00 Christophe Lemaire [6] 9/2
3)  RED CADEAUX (Ronald Arculli) Ed Dunlop 6-9-00 Tom McLaughlin [8] 9/1
4)  AIKEN (George Strawbridge) John Gosden 4-9-00 William Buick [7]
5)  JAKKALBERRY (IRE) (ATB Jakkalberry SY, Porter & Duke) Marco Botti t6-9-00 Silvestre De Sousa [5]
6)  FIORENTE (IRE) (Ballymacoll Stud) Sir Michael Stoute p1 4-9-00 James Doyle [2]
7)  HUNTER'S LIGHT (IRE) (Godolphin) Saeed bin Suroor 4-9-00 Frankie Dettori [11]
8)  ALLIED POWERS (IRE) (David Fish & Edward Ware) Michael Bell 7-9-00 Tom Queally [10]
9)  CALICO CAT (Chris Beek Racing) Alastair Lidderdale 4-9-00 Paul Hanagan [12]
10)  QUEST FOR PEACE (IRE) (OTI Racing) Luca Cumani 4-9-00 Kieren Fallon [9]
11)  TESTOSTERONE (IRE) (Nurlan Bizakov) Ed Dunlop 4-8-11 Johnny Murtagh [13]
12)  MEMPHIS TENNESSEE (IRE) (Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith) Aidan O'Brien IRE 4-9-00 Joseph O'Brien [1]
 
12 ran Non-Runner: MASKED MARVEL (Going)
Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ltd Breeding: b c Beat Hollow - Eva Luna (USA) (Alleged (USA))
Time: 2m 29.60s  Distances: 3¼, ¾, 3½, 1¼, 4½, 4½, 3, 4, 11, 13, 26