Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot Betting Preview

If Rakti is in the mood to perform in Tuesday's Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot at York, he'll make mincemeat of his rivals. But the each-way thieves will not be deterred, and I think Bet Direct have lost the plot in offering a hugely magnanimous 20-1 about Nayyir.The seven-year-old handles fast going well, as he demonstrated when finishing under five lengths fifth to Rakti in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot last September, which was an excellent effort considering that he lost ground by rearing at the start.Gerald Butler's charge was always knocking on the door in some of the leading races at around a mile last season, and posted a career-best when failing by a neck to peg back Soviet Song in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. That effort makes him the clear second best behind Rakti in this race and, as such, I will surprised if he doesn't hit the frame.Rakti was imperious in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last time. Philip Robinson sent him into the lead after a furlong and he easily drew clear two furlongs out, beating Mac Love by five lengths. In truth, that wasn't the best Group One event by any means, but Michael Jarvis' charge was probably value for more like a 20-length winning margin, which is no exaggeration. Furthermore, he has nothing to prove in this sphere being a previous winner of the Champion Stakes and the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at this meeting last year, in addition to his QEII victory.Aga Khan stumped up £20,000 to supplement the Andre Fabre-trained Valixir after his success in the Group One Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp last month. That was a comparatively weak renewal, but he did it well enough and there's no reason why he shouldn't give a good account, without being good enough to trouble Rakti.Starcraft will be having his first outing under the care of Luca Cumani since being switching from his Australian base. The son of Soviet Star has three Group One wins to his credit and has consistently performed well at the highest level in his native Oz. Given Cumani's record with older horses that have joined his Newmarket yard from overseas, it would be folly to underestimate Starcraft. At the same time, though, it's hard to assess his ability in comparison to the home contingent and he may need the run following a six-month absence.Hurricane Alan is as good as ever this year and ran out of his skin to finish third in the Lockinge, but it's hard to envisage him exacting revenge on Rakti, and the drying ground will not be in his favour. That comment also applies to German raider Martillo, who has a touch of class, but is clearly more effective when there's juice in the ground.Henry Cecil's Akimbo takes a big step up in class after absolutely hacking up in an egg and spoon race last time, while Italian raider Prince Kirk adds to the International flavour of an intriguing race.Betting verdict: 1pt e/w Nayyir @ 20/1 (VCBet)