Fanny Logan Squashes the Boys in Hardwicke

ASCOT, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND – Sheikha Al Jalila’s Fanny Logan surged to the lead with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining and drew clear, squashing her male counterparts in Friday’s Hardwicke Stakes (G2) on Day 4 of the 2020 Royal Ascot Meet.

Sent away at 7/1 odds stateside under Frankie Dettori, Fanny Logan dwelt at the rear of the field while Communique set the early pace. Nearing the top of the far turn, Communique quickened to increase his lead, but as the field rounded the corner, that advantage disappeared.

Making headway as the field raced toward the wire, Fanny Logan struck the front 1 1/2 furlongs out and quickly distanced herself from the temporary leader Elarqam. Bounding clear in the final stages, the John Gosden trainee crossed 2 1/2 lengths the best in a final time of 2:34.49 for the 1 1/2-mile event over the soft going.

“I love Fanny Logan,” said Dettori, who won his 70th at a Royal Ascot meet 30 years to the day after achieving his first. “On paper, I thought maybe we were just racing for a place, but John gave me a lot of confidence and said she had come out of Haydock really well. She had improved mentally and physically.”

Alounak made a late push for second, getting to the wire 1 3/4 lengths ahead of Defoe, who won a tight five-horse photo for third over Hamish, Anthony Van Dyck (the 8/5 stateside favorite), Elarqam, and Morando.

Communique weakened to eighth, outkicking only Eagles By Day to complete the order of finish. Desert Encounter and Spanish Mission were non-runners.

A great moment for @FrankieDettori as Fanny Logan lands the Hardwicke Stakes to give him his 70th Royal Ascot winner! 👏#RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/ofg0v9vmzp

— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 19, 2020

Fanny Logan’s win was her first since stringing together four straight last summer, a streak that ended when she finished fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1). The 4-year-old Sea The Stars filly was a well-beaten ninth in last year’s Ribblesdale Stakes (G2), her final defeat prior to commencing her four-win effort. Her record now stands at 11-6-2-1.

“Frankie didn’t use that turn of foot in time in California in the Breeders’ Cup, so he’s learnt!” Gosden said. “Frankie’s belying his years and it is a pleasure to be around him. His knowledge and his feel when riding work in the morning – he is one of the few who is extremely accurate when talking about horses in the mornings – what they need and what they don’t need – and he is a great race-reader and a fabulous jockey. We are lucky to have him about.”

Fanny Logan returned $17.40 to win and $4.20 to place, Alounak brought back $15.40 to place, and Defoe paid $3.60 to place.