The Sir Michael Stoute trained Telescope is eyeing off more feature race wins after scoring a commanding win in the Group 2 £200,000 Hardwicke Stakes(1 mile 4 furlongs) at Royal Ascot last Saturday.
Jockey Brett Prebble showing off the Melbourne Cup. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.
Winning jockey Ryan Moore feels that Telescope has finally come of age with his seven lengths victory in the Hardwicke Stakes and can now go on and reproduce that form at the next level.
“He’s got a real good attitude in his races now,” Moore told the Racing Post.
“It probably wasn’t the strongest of Hardwickes but I like the way he did everything through the race and he sees that trip out very well.
“Hopefully we can push on from here.”
Telescope was one of four winners for Stoute over the five day Royal Ascot Carnival and the four year old will now be aimed towards the Group 1 £1m The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1 mile 4 furlongs) at Ascot on July 26 with the Group 1 €4m QATAR Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe (2400m) at Longchamp in October also a possibility.
“Hopefully he will be fine to come here for the King George later next month. If Telescope put up this performance again, he would be in the shake-up of any big race,” Stoute said.
“I think the two previous races he has had this year were run on unsuitable ground, so I am thrilled to see him do that today.”
“I hope this is the best middle-distance performance by an older horse.
“We have been happy with our week at Royal Ascot. We have been thrilled by all the winners and Estimate too.
“Telescope was written up an awful lot last spring after a maiden win and then they said he was a flop. He has not been a flop – he has never been out of the first two.”
Racing Victoria are keen to lure Telescope for the Melbourne Spring Carnival while Hardwicke Stakes third placegetter Pether’s Moon is a chance of travelling to Melbourne for the Spring.
“I’d consider the Melbourne Cup if the trainer thought it was the right thing to do,” Pether’s Moon owner John Manley said.
“We’ve talked about it and lots of people have asked about it. I think I’d like a bit of incentive from the people there. The Cox Plate might suit, as he’s got plenty of early speed.”
