Runner-By-Runner Guide: Hardwicke Stakes

1 - ALOUNAK (1) Andrew Balding/Oisin Murphy

Smart performer in Germany last year, including Group 3 win. Backed at long odds but was well held after 7 months off in Coronation Cup at Newmarket on yard debut, carrying head bit awkwardly.

2 - ANTHONY VAN DYCK (6) Aidan O'Brien/Ryan Moore

Last year's Derby winner who made a highly encouraging return to action back from 6 months off when 2½ lengths second of 7 to Ghaiyyath in Coronation Cup at Newmarket. The one to beat on that form.

2001 Galileo
2002 High Chaparral
2012 Camelot
2013 Ruler Of The World
2014 Australia
2017 Wings Of Eagles
2019 Anthony Van Dyck

It was #OTD last year that Anthony Van Dyck provided Aidan O'Brien with his seventh victory in the Derby @EpsomRacecourse! 🐎#RacingTVFlashback pic.twitter.com/bM5QEd6qoS

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 1, 2020

3 - COMMUNIQUE (10) Mark Johnston/Joe Fanning

Dual Group 2 winner at Newmarket in 2019 but ended that year in a lull and produced a laboured effort in listed event at same track on return 12 days ago. Something to prove at present.

Trademark ride from @SilvDSousa, as COMMUNIQUE makes all to win the (Group 2) Jockey Club Stakes at @NewmarketRace, for @Johnston_Racing!

It's a 12/1 winner for @Timeform's TV Focus!

(🎥@RacingTV)pic.twitter.com/fuVVAxSy2i

— Timeform Live (@TimeformLive) May 4, 2019

4 - DEFOE (5) Roger Varian/Andrea Atzeni

Very smart gelding who has struggled to hit the same heights since winning this last year, though did have excuses when below form in latest renewal of Coronation Cup at Newmarket. Could bounce back.

It was #OTD last year that Defoe got the better of Ryan Moore and Kew Gardens to win the Investec Coronation Cup @EpsomRacecourse on a memorable day for @Atzenijockey 🐎#RacingTVFlashback pic.twitter.com/fLtDqpUnUS

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 31, 2020

5 - DESERT ENCOUNTER (2) David Simcock/Tom Marquand

Capped off an excellent 2019 by winning the Canadian International at Woodbine for a second year running, but finished a well-beaten last of 7 in the Coronation Cup at Newmarket a fortnight ago.

6 - EAGLES BY DAY (3) Michael Bell/Daniel Tudhope

Wide-margin maiden winner who acquitted himself really well when third in the King Edward VII Stakes last year. Bled when well held in the Bahrain Trophy the following month though, and off since.

7 - ELARQAM (7) Mark Johnston/Jim Crowley

Came of age in 2019, winning pair of listed races and Group 2 York Stakes before a mighty effort in the Juddmonte. Second in Brigadier Gerard on return, rallying final 100 yds. First try over 1½m.

LORD NORTH wins the rearranged (Group 3) Brigadier Gerard Stakes on his first foray into group company, travelling into the race well and holding on from the rallying Elarqam!pic.twitter.com/fzSxYzNN2t

— Timeform (@Timeform) June 7, 2020

8 - HAMISH (9) William Haggas/James Doyle

Big improver last season, bagging a brace of competitive handicaps at York. Lost nothing in defeat behind Trueshan at Newbury final start, and interesting pitched into a Group 2 on return.

9 - MORANDO (11) Andrew Balding/Silvestre De Sousa

Mud lover who was back to his best when powering clear in the Cumberland Lodge Stakes over C&D (heavy) in October. Creditable fourth in this 12 months ago and the more rain the better for him.

10 - SPANISH MISSION (4) David Simcock/William Buick

Put up a big career best to run out a dominant winner of the Bahrain Trophy last July. Added to his tally at Belmont in September, though wasn't at his best at Meydan when last seen in February.

11 - FANNY LOGAN (8) John Gosden/Frankie Dettori

Prolific last season, winning 5 times, including 3 listed events and a Group 3 at Newmarket. Made a sound return when second of 5 in the Pinnacle Stakes at Haydock but this asks for a touch more.

Fabulous four-timer! Fanny Logan adds Group 3 honours to her hat-trick of Listed wins with a smooth success in the finale for @FrankieDettori and John Gosden at @NewmarketRace pic.twitter.com/MuoCLWTSEc

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 11, 2019

Timeform Analyst's Verdict

ANTHONY VAN DYCK made a highly encouraging return when keeping on well behind the impressive Ghaiyyath in the Coronation Cup at Newmarket, and a reproduction of that form will make him tough to beat here. Elarqam came of age in 2019 and has to be respected on his first try at this trip following a satisfactory return in the Brigadier Gerard, while the unexposed Hamish is a fascinating contender.

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