Await The Dawn oozes class in Hardwicke

Report: Royal Ascot, Saturday

Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) 1m4f, 4yo+

AWAIT THE DAWN, rated as one of the bankers of the royal meeting, ran out an easy winner of the Hardwicke Stakes under Ryan Moore, who overtook Richard Hughes in the battle to be top jockey.

With the ground on the soft side, all of the field bar two raced away from the far side rail upon leaving the stalls, with Harris Tweed cutting out the early pace.

Moore had Await The Dawn, the 4-6 favourite, towards the rear before making his move entering the home straight.

Taking up the running two furlongs from home, Await The Dawn never looked like being caught.

Harris Tweed plugged on well to finish second with Drunken Sailor in third.

Moore and trainer Aidan O'Brien were completing a double following the success of Maybe in the Chesham Stakes.

O'Brien said: "I'd say he won in spite of the ground. He's a daisy cutter really and it's the same old story that we were hoping class would get him through and he's class.

"When Ryan rode him at Chester he loved him. Obviously we're always dreaming of going for the Breeders' Cup Classic but it's a long way away. The dream is still alive at the moment."

Moore said:  "He had form on soft when he was younger but as he's got bigger and stronger it's harder for him to pull himself out of the ground.

"He's won in spite of it and he's got a lot of quality.He travelled very well and just done enough."

Of runner-up Harris Tweed, trainer William Haggas said:  "The winner is a very good horse and he's given him a race.

"I want to save him for the autumn and we're going to start taking bloods from him in case he goes to Melbourne."

Luca Cumani, trainer of third-placed Drunken Sailor said: "He's come a long way from running in handicaps 14 months ago and now he's been placed in a Group 2.

"The owners are keen onanother trip to Australia for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups."