Royal Ascot 2018: No upset for bookies as Sir Michael Stoute celebrates another big win with Crystal Ocean in Hardwicke Stakes
Ryan Moore had the perfect journey on Crystal Ocean in straightforward win
THERE was no surprise in the Hardwicke Stakes as the odds were comfortably landed on hot favourite Crystal Ocean.
Sir Michael Stoute enjoyed a terrific week at the Berkshire track and Crystal Ocean landed his eleventh Hardwicke in the process.
The four-year-old slipped in behind Idaho throughout and when asked to go forwards did so with ease.
Cliffs Of Moher briefly looked a threat in behind, but not for the first time failed to kick on.
Crystal Ocean cantered through to the line with a gutsy Red Verdon plugging on for a surprise second.
Once again last year's St Leger received a boost and Stoute's patience is again being rewarded with the performances his colt has delivered.
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The Group 1 King George is the next logical step for the classy colt and Sir Michael Stoute confirmed that "was the more likely route."
The bookmakers halved the horse in price for the race back at Ascot from 4-1 to 2-1.
The Coral Eclipse will probably come too soon and the Irish Champion Stakes "is a long way away", but not ruled out for.
It was Stoute's fourth winner of the week after Poet's Word, Eqtidaar and Expert Eye all delivered the goods.