Timeform UK SmartPlays: Tuesday June 19

The Australians have taken the King's Stand Stakes (15:05) four times in the last ten years, most recently with Scenic Blast in 2009, and Ortensia can maintain that fine record this afternoon. She came from last to first to beat six of today's rivals in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan in March, and her fast-finishing style could be a big plus over this stiff 5f. Ortensia surely has major claims.

Averting our eyes from Royal Ascot for a moment, there's a strong case to be made for Entihaa in the one-and-a-half-mile handicap at Thirsk (16:00). Alan Swinbank's charge is lightly raced and appears to be going the right way, chasing home the fast-improving Ignatius on his handicap debut at Haydock last time. Back up to a more suitable trip today, Entihaa doesn't face anything quite so progressive and can go one better.

Returning to Ascot, Lyric Ace (17:35) can score for the Hannon/Hughes partnership in a typically competitive Windsor Castle Stakes. He has been impressive in landing his last two starts, not advancing his form in a minor event at Kempton last time but doing it readily and having subsequent listed winner Chilworth Icon in second to boot. With more likely to come, Lyric Ace potentially sets a high standard.

Timeform SmartPlays
Back Ortensia@ [7.0] in the 15:05 at Royal Ascot
Back Entihaa@ [3.75] in the 16:00 at Thirsk
Back Lyric Ace @ [5.3] in the 17:35 at Royal Ascot

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