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BANKER OR BLOWOUT

Royal Ascot 2018 tips: Should I back these favourites or lay them?

Find out who's hot and who's not in the three of the big races on the second day

Cracksman faces six rivals in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes later on the card

AS ever at Royal Ascot, the festival is brimming with hype horses, odds-on favourites and bookies' bankers.

But which of Wednesday's biggest names are actually banker material, and which are heading for a hiding?

 Cracksman faces six rivals in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes later on the card
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Cracksman faces six rivals in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes later on the cardCredit: PA:Press Association

Chelsea Cloisters, Queen Mary Stakes: Banker or blowout?

Callum Jamieson: The vibes are strong from those across the pond and any Wesley Ward filly must be taken seriously in this. The form is impossible to read in the context of this and if you don't consider her price she's the most likely winner in my book. BANKER

Harriet Fuller: We used to think we could take these Ward juveniles on and it was all hype...not so much now. Everything suggests this is one seriously talented filly. The vibes from across the pond are strong too. BANKER

Tom Bull: Won a race in Keeneland in very impressive fashion and runs at Ascot for American shrewdie Wesley Ward. Likely to have some serious early boot, but could be vulnerable late on as there are some very strong stayers lining up with top class form in the book. BLOWOUT

Mark Nevin: Looked blisteringly fast when bolting up on her debut at Keeneland. Wesley Ward knows what it takes to win this race, but I have a feeling that she could set this up for one of her market rivals. At her current odds she is a little skinny. BLOWOUT

Jack Keene: Wesley Ward knows what it takes to train the winner of this race. He has been talking up this filly, who won by eight lengths on her debut, and she could prove a class above her rivals. BANKER

 Hyrdangea was a comprehensive winner of the Fillies and Mares race on Champions Day
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Hyrdangea was a comprehensive winner of the Fillies and Mares race on Champions DayCredit: PA:Press Association

Hydrangea, Duke Of Cambridge Stakes: Banker or blowout?

Callum Jamieson: She's a multiple Group 1 winning filly and a class above these. She continues to shorten but one of the favourites I'm most confident about through the five days. BANKER

Harriet Fuller: Wasn't impressive on her reappearance run, likely to improve but plenty in here to give her something to think about. Looks a bit on the short side. BLOWOUT

Tom Bull: Was beaten at even money on reappearance by a horse rated a long way inferior so will need to produce a much better performance here. She probably will, but I wouldn't want to be backing her at a short price after that, particularly as I think she needs further than a mile to produce her best these days. BLOWOUT

Mark Nevin: A two-time Group 1 winner who should have too much quality for her rivals. She could possibly want a bit further to be at her very best but none of her rivals possess her class or toughness. BANKER

Jack Keene: She is a very talented filly on her day and has proven herself versatile over a number of different trips. Carries a penalty today but unlikely that will stop her, though do keep an eye on Tribute Act at a big price. BANKER

 Frankie Dettori will ride Cracksman once again
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Frankie Dettori will ride Cracksman once againCredit: Reuters

Cracksman, Prince Of Wales's Stakes: Banker or blowout?

Callum Jamieson: The reaction to his Epsom win was hysterical. To me he showed how much of a monster he is by getting up that day despite hating every second of it. He still made up the lengths in taking fashion once he got rolling. He's short enough but canters over these. BANKER

Harriet Fuller: Scraped home last time but clearly hates Epsom. Destroyed his rivals in his last outing here and the same is set to happen again. BANKER

Tom Bull: The star show of the week is odds-on favourite for a reason. He has class oozing out of every pore and there's not a chance he will get beaten by a vastly inferior field. He wasn't at his best at Epsom last time but he didn't particularly like the track. Back at Ascot, he'll be completely unbeatable. BANKER

Mark Nevin: An absolute superstar who should continue to get better with every run. Won despite hating the track at Epsom and he is best judged on his smooth win in the Prix Ganay. I always thought he was best with cut in the ground but it was pretty quick ground when he won in France, so conditions should not be a problem. BANKER

Jack Keene: Arguably the best horse in the world at present. Short of his best at Epsom last time but still managed to win and will be suited by the return to this track. Hard to beat. BANKER

Richard Spencer sets his sights on further glory at the Royal meeting
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