Telescope powers to Hardwicke win Telescope turned in one of the best performances at Royal Ascot this week with a resounding seven-length success in the Hardwicke Stakes. The Galileo colt has twice been thumped by Noble Mission this term, but made no mistake at the biggest show in town to give trainer Sir Michael Stoute success in the race for an eighth time. Just for good measure, the on-song Newmarket handler - who won the previous race with Arab Spring - saddled fast-finishing runner-up Hillstar in the Group Two contest over a mile and a half. Sent off the 7-4 favourite, Telescope travelled beautifully from the outset as Ektihaam, who slipped up in the race 12 months ago, cut out the early running. Eye Of The Storm, Ballydoyle's one-eyed colt, joined in towards the head of affairs as the field swung for home, with Pether's Moon, who eventually finished third, also prominent. Approaching the penultimate furlong it soon became clear it was a one-horse race and a lthough Hillstar stayed on stoutly for Frankie Dettori, Telescope had all bases covered in the trusty hands of Ryan Moore (also rode Arab Spring). The jockey said: "He's got a real good attitude in his races now. It probably wasn't the strongest Hardwicke, but I was delighted with the he did everything during the race and he stayed on very well. He sees that trip out very well, 10 (furlongs) has just been a bit short for him the last twice. "He travelled very well at Chester, but when I let him down he struggled on that ground. This was a career-best and hopefully he can push on from here."
