Hardwicke Stakes Runners Guide 2023 – Hukum a Late Royal Ascot Non-Runner in Event Featuring Free Wind & Pyledriver

Two horses rated above 120 in Hukum and Pyledriver were among eight Hardwicke Stakes runners declared for the chief supporting race on the fifth and final day of Royal Ascot. This is always an informative middle-distance event for older horses, as well as being a valuable Group 2 prize in its own right. Hukum is a late non-runner, however, due to the fast ground.

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Hukum Withdrawn, Pyledriver Top Rated Among Hardwicke Stakes Runners

Fans of Flat horse racing don’t always get to see their favourites race on beyond three-year-old and four-year-old seasons. It’s refreshing, then, to have seen a couple of entire six-year-olds and a five-year-old mare prominent in the betting. Hukum would’ve run here off the back of a taking reappearance win for Owen Burrows and Shadwell Estates.

Few expected him to best Epsom Derby hero Desert Crown over a sharper trip, but stamina won the day despite a lengthy lay-off and career-threatening injury. Hukum isn’t risked on quick going, however. Other notable Hardwicke Stakes runners engaged include John and Thady Gosden’s mare Free Wind, who also scored down in distance last time out.

The plucky underdog Pyledriver is set to return to action here as well after his own injury-enforced absence. Last season’s King George And Queen Elizabeth Stakes hero tops official ratings for the Hardwicke with 2lb and upwards in hand on the field. Learn more about each of the eight runners taking part below:

RELATED: See who the best horse racing bookmakers online in the UK are right now.

Complete Hardwicke Stakes Runners Guide 2023

1. Ardakan

Ex-German trained horse who won Italian Derby last year and has shaped like he wants further than this on a number of occasions since. Twice placed over 1m 6f at Meydan during the winter and fourth in Dubai Gold Cup latest. May find other Hardwicke Stakes runners too quick for him.

2. Changingoftheguard

Chester Vase winner who couldn’t follow-up in the Derby, but then just held on from re-opposing Grand Alliance for King Edward success over course and distance here 12 months ago. Disappointing third in the Ormonde Stakes on reappearance. Not the most consistent type, but has ability on a going day.

3. Deauville Legend

Denied a head by Secret State in the King George V over course and distance at the Royal meeting last year. Has since proven himself much better than a handicapper with Bahrain Trophy and Great Voltigeur wins. Fine fourth in the Melbourne Cup over further latest. Solid claims among Hardwicke Stakes runners in this renewal.

4. Grand Alliance

Just failed to get up in the King Edward here 12 months ago, but something to find with Deauville Legend on Great Voltigeur run. Comes here off the back of an 18/1 win in the John Porter at Newbury. Needs to back that up now in race that demands a lot more.

5. Hukum – Non-Runner

Lowered the colours of Desert Crown in the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown on reappearance. Dual course and distance winner, and third in this race 12 months ago. Last year’s Coronation Cup winner is a leading contender among Hardwicke Stakes runners escaping a penalty. Commands respect for talented trainer. Non-Runner

6. Pyledriver

Tops official ratings for the race after sensational King George win here last summer. Course and distance record of 2-3, like Hukum, but had no answer to that one when second in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. A dangerous horse to dismiss, however, as he’s overachieved his entire career. Each way bet on return from long absence as record fresh not great.

7. West Wind Blows

Dual Group 3 winner over 1m 2f in France that has yet to prove his stamina for this trip. Disappointing sixth at Glorious Goodwood in the Gordon Stakes last summer off the back of impressive Listed win at Hamilton Park. Other Hardwicke Stakes runners appeal more.

8. Free Wind

Two of the last three winners have been fillies including Fanny Logan for this yard in 2020. This year’s stable representative a lightly-raced for her age type who has been versatile as regards trip. Park Hill winner a couple of autumns ago, then defied long absence to land Lancashire Oaks. Showed class to win over a sharper trip in this grade again at York on reappearance. Shortlisted getting weight all-round.

What Date & Time Is The 2023 Hardwicke Stakes?

📅Time/Date: 4:20pm (Saturday 24th June 2023)
🏇Racecourse: Ascot
💰 Winner: £141,775
📺 TV: Sky Sports Racing / ITV
🎲 Odds: Free Wind 6/5 | Pyledriver 9/2 | Deauville Legend 13/2 | Changingoftheguard 13/2 | Bar 14/1

Recent Hardwicke Stakes Winners

• 2022 – Broome  (6/1)
• 2021 – Wonderful Tonight (5/1)
• 2020 – Fanny Logan (17/2)
• 2019 – Defoe (11/4 fav)
• 2018 – Crystal Ocean (4/7 fav)
• 2017 – Idaho (9/2)
• 2016 – Dartmouth (10/1)
• 2015 – Snow Sky (12/1)
• 2014 – Telescope (7/4F)

WATCH: Pyledriver Win the King George at Ascot Last Summer

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