Hardwicke Stakes Sets Up Arc Dream

Connections celebrated a well-deserved victory by Dream of Dreams (Dream Ahead-Vasilia, by Dansili) as a 7YO in the Gr1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot after the gelding had finished runner-up in the past two renewals of the 6 furlong sprint, however those scenes were possibly eclipsed following the Gr2 Hardwicke Stakes (11 furlongs). Ridden by William Buick, the impressive triumph by 4YO mare Wonderful Tonight (La Havre-Salvation, by Montjeu) provided a Royal Ascot first for both owner Chris Wright and trainer David Menuisier. More importantly, it put last season’s dual Group-1 winning filly (Prix de Royallieu, 2800m at Longchamp, and BC Fillies and Mares Stakes, 12 furlongs at Ascot) firmly in the picture for this year’s Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) at Longchamp. According to racingtv.com, the Arc has always been Menuisier’s seasonal goal for Wonderful Tonight. Ominously, he reflected, “Wonderful Tonight is an absolute champion. I couldn't be bullish in the press before the race because she was always going to improve for the run… Wonderful Tonight showed a tremendous turn of foot which she perhaps never showed before.” Her jubilant owner said, “After last year, when we almost ran Wonderful Tonight in the Arc, we thought that we would target the Arc this year. I know that’s like shooting for the moon, and it’s a pretty tough target to aspire to, but that has been the target and her programme has been based round it.”