BY THE TEDDINGTON TIPSTER (Nick Luck)

This may be a Royal Ascot lacking its customary effervescence, but the racing on Day One more than stood the test with some sparkling performances. Battaash gained his deserved victory in the King's Stand Stakes, confirming himself the world's most talented sprinter when he's on song. This column's each way pick, Liberty Beach, ran a fine race to finish third, while the win of confident selection Frankly Darling and the sound second of Arthur's Kingdom were other bright spots.

But there's no time to rest on our laurels, and we're on to Day 2…..

1.15 Silver Hunt Cup

Another furiously difficult start to the day. Sir Busker has to carry more weight than all his rivals, but he has got the potential to do better still and can confirm the promise he showed on his comeback run at Newcastle. His trainer, William Knight, has recently moved stables and his horses seem to benefiting for the change of scenery.

1.50 Hampton Court Stakes

A decent chance of a Royal winner here with First Receiver ridden by Frankie Dettori, representing The Queen. He's a colt of some potential, but Russian Emperor may be a better bet at the likely odds.

2.25 King George V Stakes

I'll be backing the well named Convict here (his sire is Australia). He was a smart two year old, but his family have all improved markedly with age and he looks sure to love the extra distance. Any more heavy showers would be greatly in his favour. I'll also have a little each-way on Trumpet Man, whose trainer has a terrific record in this race.

3.00 Prince of Wales's Stakes

Japan will be a short priced favourite and I expect him to win quite well. If there was a load more rain, Addeybb would then enter calculations, while the Dettori-ridden Medaayih is quite an interesting outsider.

3.35 Royal Hunt Cup

Charlie Hills saddled the first two home in the feature race yesterday and I'm fairly sure that his Afaak can run another huge race, having won and been second in the last two runnings of this. The other one I like each way is Beatboxer, who is a bit of a headcase, but might well have benefited from a gelding operation over the winter. If that's the case, he is well handicapped.

4.10 Windsor Castle Stakes

Tactical might be the answer here. Although he is one of a handful in here not have won his debut race, he shaped with plenty of promise in a warm race at Newmarket, looking a little unbalanced on the track. This should suit better, particularly if there is a contested pace.

4.40 Copper Horse Handicap

A tough finale, but I am hoping that Alright Sunshine will be happier in slightly calmer waters than on his seasonal debut at Newcastle. He wasn't given a hard time that day, and that should have put him spot on for this.

Day Two: Royal Ascot Race Card