Timeform UK SmartPlays: Saturday May 17

The first race under consideration is the listed Aston Park Stakes over an extended 13 furlongs (14:05) and the vote goes to Mount Athos, who sets a clear standard on the pick of his form and is expected to prove himself the superior animal here. He won a Group 3 at Chester on his seasonal reappearance last year and was second in the same race this season, and has put in some admirable performances at the top level around the globe in between. He won the Geoffrey Freer over this C&D in 2012 and providing he's sharper for his last run he should have too much class in the locker for today's rivals, although both Sky Hunter and the highly progressive Battalion look to have chances in what is an open renewal. 

We head to Newmarket next for the listed Charles II Stakes over seven furlongs (14:55) where Parbold looks to have an excellent chance to build on his fine reappearance effort in the Free Handicap. He was conceding weight all-round on that occasion and despite finishing fifth of six he was only a length-and-a-quarter from the winner over this C&D and he meets the field for this contest on far better terms at the weights. He's been admirably consistent for much of his career thus far and if he can progress from when we last saw him, it would be no surprise to see him gain a much-deserved return to the winners' enclosure. 

Our final bet of the day sees us return to Newbury for the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes over a mile (15:50) and although it won't win any prizes for originality, the pick is Olympic Glory. He's a dual Group 1 winner and looked better than ever when landing the QEII stakes at Ascot in October, with his close second to Moonlight Cloud at Deauville last summer another piece of outstanding form. He seems best when he's faced with a straight mile which is exactly what he'll get here, and providing he turns up in similar form to the majority of last season he has more than enough class to start off his 2014 campaign with a win. Stablemate Montiridge is respected and he should improve for his reappearance at Sandown but it's likely he'll have to play second fiddle to Olympic Glory, who is a very confident selection to come out on top. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays

Back Mount Athos in the 14:05 at Newbury
Back Parbold in the 14:55 at Newmarket
Back Olympic Glory in the 15:50 at Newbury