Hardwicke Stakes - Royal Ascot 2017

Published on: 24/06/2017

Hardwicke Stakes - Royal Ascot 2017

June 24, 2016 15:40pm - Ascot, Berkshire

Royal Ascot 2017

Category: Group 2, Class 1

Distance: 1m 3f 211y

Going: Good to firm

Runners: 12

Winner: £127,598.00

The Hardwicke Stakes is a Group 2 race in open to horses aged four years and older. It is run over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs (2,414 metres). The event was first established in 1879 and was named after the 5th Earl of Hardwicke.

Sir Michael Stoute has trained seven of the last 11 winners in this and will once again be represented by last year`s winner Dartmouth here. He started the season in fine form in York and will be hard to beat here if he performs at anywhere near that level. He was hampered by the softer ground that day so there is reason to suggest that he has is plenty more to come.

Dartmouth won`t have it all his own way though and Idaho looks the most likely to cause an upset. He wasnt too far behind the when the two lined up at Woodbine last year and he was not pushed at all when sixth at Epsom on his return. He was placed in both the English and Irish Derby and should go well on the firmer ground.

Each-way bettors could do worse than look at Western Hymn. A bit of a tricky character, he has a good track record and could sneak a place here if he doesnt get too carried away.

Betting odds and tips

Idaho looks an interesting choice but Dartmouth and his team know the formula for success here.

You can back Dartmouth at a price of 5/2 with Bet365, while Western Hymn may be of interest to each-way punters at a price of 16/1.

Remember, Bet365 are offering guaranteed best odds on all Royal Ascot races and a 100% deposit bonus up to £200 for new accounts.

Hardwicke Stakes - Last three years:

2014: Telescope - Ryan Moore (Michael Stoute)

2015: Snow Sky - Pat Smullen (Michael Stoute)

2016: Dartmouth - Olivier Peslier (Michael Stoute)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 24/06/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (24/06/2017 13:58:04) but are subject to change.