Sea Moon scorches to Hardwicke Stakes victory
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.
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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.
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.
"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."
