Aiken looking for his seventh consecutive victory in the Hardwicke Stakes at the Ascot
In the line-up for the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes, is the unbeaten in six out of seven outings, Aiken, will be sent at 4 to 1.
The race will be hosted at Ascot race course over a distance of 1 mile and four furlongs on Saturday, 23rd June, as the event has reeled in thirteen, 4-year-old runners.
In full form to upset the declared favourite of the race, Sea Moon, is Aiken. The 4-year-old Selkirk bay colt is out of mare, Las Flores. He broke his maiden at second asking on 25th June, 2011 at Chester over 1 mile, two and one-half furlongs.
This was the first of the six-win streak that Aiken stretched.
His next success was in a Handicap on 13th July at Sandown over a mile and two furlongs. With William Buick onboard, he won by a head’s margin over Rastaban.
The 5 to 2 favourite of the race, Mr. Perceptive, ended fourth on the track of seven.
The four-year-old then struck a hat-trick at the Ascot itself in a handicap on 23rd July over a mile and four furlongs. He won as the 15 to 8 favourite and won by 1 ¾ lengths, while coupled with William Buick.
Finishing the closest to the winner was, Masaraat, and filling up the third slot was, Mulaqen.
Next two successes of the John Gosden trained were in a Handicap and then in a listed race.
The George Strawbridge bred raced, and won his first graded race on 3rd June at Chantilly over a mile and four furlongs.
He took charge of the final ¾ of a length under the guidance of William Buick, while finishing as the runner-up was, Maxios.
The 5 to 6 favourite of the race, Dunaden, ended third on the track of five.
Today, it is his second try on the trot in a grouped race, and a victory today will extend his streak to seven. He will again get paired up with, William Buick, and will break from the seventh stall.
The four-year-old will really need to look out for Sea Moon, Dunaden and Red Cadeaux. All have the potential to upset, and whoever picks up the lead will make the experience worthwhile.
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