Royal Ascot SmartPlays: Tuesday June 17

We kick off proceedings with the opening contest of the five-day racing extravaganza, the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes over a mile (14:30) and despite his skinny odds it's hard to see past Toronado. He produced one of the finest performances of 2013 when edging out Dawn Approach in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood last year and in truth anything like a reproduction of that form should be enough to see him gain his second win at Group 1 level. It's a while since he's been on the track but all reports concerning his homework are positive from trainer Richard Hannon and he should show his class at the expense of the chasing pack. 

It's the King's Stand over five furlongs under consideration next (15:45) and despite the first three home from 2013 all re-opposing, the vote goes to the progressive youngster Hot Streak. He built on an encouraging reappearance at Newmarket with an impressive win in the Temple Stakes at Haydock last time, but it was his performance in the Cornwallis Stakes that suggested he could be champion sprinter material. He routed a decent field by five lengths over C&D last October and he's given every reason to suggest he is even better as a three-year-old. He will join an elite group if he's able to take this race in only his second season racing, but he looks a rare horse who is able to ally considerable ability with the exuberance of youth.

Our final bet of the day comes in the St. James's Palace Stakes (16:25) and the 1-2 from the 2,000 Guineas stand out in a small but high-quality field. Preference is given to Kingman, given he returned to winning ways in emphatic style in the Irish Guineas last time out and the Ascot bend should play into his hands. Night of Thunder's win was no fluke and it would be no surprise if this race turned out another nail-biting finish as it did last year, but Kingman's long suggested that he could be the best three-year-old miler in Europe and he's expected to prove it on the biggest stage of all. 

Royal Ascot SmartPlays

Back Toronado in the Queen Anne Stakes
Back Hot Streak in the King's Stand Stakes
Back Kingman in the St James's Palace Stakes