7 in line for the Hardwicke Telescope is one of three runners for Sir Michael Stoute as he tries to defend his Hardwicke Stakes crown at Royal Ascot on Saturday. The five-year-old beat stablemate Hillstar by seven lengths in the 12-furlong heat last term and his fellow Stoute inmate will be in opposition once again on the final day of the Royal meeting. Telescope went on to place in a number of high-profile events, including the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, while Hillstar claimed Group One glory in the Canadian International last October, although he has been off the track since that effort. Snow Sky, winner of the Yorkshire Cup on his seasonal return, completes a strong hand for Stoute in the Group Two feature. Luca Cumani's Postponed boasts obvious claims after chasing home Al Kazeem when third in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh last time, while Eagle Top represents John Gosden after finishing fourth in the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown on his seasonal return. Ed Dunlop's globetrotter Red Cadeaux makes his first British appearance since last September with David Simcock's Sheikhzayedroad rounding out the select seven-strong field.
