Timeform UK SmartPlays: Wednesday August 22

Although it can be argued that the 1.141/7 presently available about Frankel to triumph in the Juddmonte International represents value, it is of little interest to most punters so it is best to simply savour the occasion rather than get involved financially.

There are bets to be found on the Knavesmire however, kicking off with Rex Imperator in the opener at 14:00. The three-year-old, trained by Roger Charlton, has returned in 2012 in excellent heart, putting up a much improved performance when easily winning at Windsor on his penultimate start before catching the eye at Newmarket late last month. He made smooth progress to challenge over a furlong out, having raced freely, before fading close home as the stiff six furlongs possibly just stretched him. Dropping slightly in trip and assigned an easier track, Rex Imperator looks sure to go well and, whilst there is plenty of credible opposition, he is taken to get us off to the best of starts.

Despite there being just six runners this looks an excellent renewal of the Great Voltigeur, with it being possible to make a case of sorts for each of them. On account of his second to Camelot in the Derby, it is Main Sequence that sets the standard and can capitalise on this slight drop in Grade. Trained by David Lanigan, Main Sequence won his first four starts, including the Lingfield Derby Trial, before coming up against Camelot at Epsom. The three-year-old did not enjoy a clear run when fourth in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris last time but he has a solid chance of atoning for that defeat here.

Our final SmartPlay comes in the two mile handicap at 16:15, where Olympiad appeals as an excellent win and place bet. This aptly named and lightly-raced four-year-old progressed well in his first three visits to the racecourse, getting off the mark on the third occasion at Gowran in April before leaving the impression that he was ready for a step up in trip when a staying on third at Galway last time over a mile and a half. Western Prize is likely to provide stiff opposition, but Olympiad remains unexposed and has solid claims of making the places and hopefully taking the win.

Timeform SmartPlays
All at York
Back Rex Imperator @ 5.85/1 in the 14:00
Back Main Sequence @ 2.89/5 in the 15:05
Back Olympiad @ 9.89/1 to win and 2.89/5 to place in the 16:15

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