3.05 Royal Ascot
Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £120,962
Advice: 2 pts win Ektihaam (11/4 general)
Dandino: Good traveller last year after Kempton Group 3 win,
second in Pattinson International his best effort although he was disappointing
in Asia afterwards, and no answer to Universal on return at Newmarket; Others
make more appeal. 
Ektihaam: Promise that he showed as 3yo is only know
beginning to be properly fulfilled encouraging when third in high class running
of Sandown Group 3 on reappearance for which he promised to improve; That, and
step up to today’s trip worked the oracle when he tumped solid pair of
yardsticks in second and third at listed level last time; That form gives him
standout chance today. 
Mount Athos: Improver like so many from this yard and now
making up into a top class stayer, winning Group 3 at Newbury in fine style
before arguably unlucky fifth in Melbroune Cup (below form in Japan): Return on
the face of it was as impressive as he’s ever been, but race fell apart and he
has more to do here; That said will take the beating here/
Noble Mission: Famed full brother to Frankel who has shown
plenty in his own right for all that he can sometimes not be entirely
straightforward, as he showed when laboured last to Universal at Newmarket, but
listed win might have given him confidence and would have to be considered a
dangerous runner if in full form. 
Sir John Hawkwood: Typical 4 year old improver from his
stable, winning two well contested handicaps this year in game fashion at 10
and 12 furlongs, finding lots in photo finish to defy topweight at York; This
obviously a tougher contest but reckon that much more is coming and foolish to
dismiss for stable that has had excellent end to the week.
Songcraft: Justified strong favouritism when he landed
Listed event on reappearance but needs much more at this level and drop back in
trip might not suit. 
Thomas Chippendale: Winner here in King Edward the seventh
stakes last year but didn’t quite build on it; Ahead of Ektihaam on return but
no answer to that one over C&D latest and impossible to see him reversing
that form today. 
Universal: Typically progressive colt, graduating from
handicaps to Group company with little fuss, although nothing flashy could how
he did the job at Newbury or Newmarket latest, fighting off Dandino latest;
Will prove mighty hard to beat if hitting the front and will give a great run
for his money.
VERDICT: A competitive renewal with many focusing on Mount
Athos and EKTHIHAAM. Luca Cumani’s charge was deeply impressive on his return
at Chester and is making into a top stayer, but Ektihaam’s demolition of Thomas
Chippendale was a little out of the ordinary for one so unexposed at the trip
and he gets the vote with or without Mount Athos. Sir John Hawkwood and
Universal are the ones to fear.
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