No sign of rust as The Tin Man rattles home to underline Royal Ascot claims

Leading sprinter The Tin Man made a winning return in the Listed Weatherbys Hamilton Leisure Stakes on Monday night.

The Group 1-winning sprinter, who made an abortive trip to Hong Kong last December when he spiked a fever, restated his candidacy as a leading contender for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, which he won last year, with the defeat of D'bai and Projection.

The six-year-old, who won the same Windsor race in 2016, was cut to 8-1 (from 12-1) for the Royal Ascot sprint by Paddy Power.

He scored with a bit in hand after being steered across the track by Tom Queally from his position out in the middle of the course and closer to the eventual second and third, breezing past to win by three-quarters of a length and head.

Full result and replay

Trainer James Fanshawe, speaking on At The Races, said: "They did a great job in Hong Kong to let him recover after his sickness. We left him alone for two months and he had a really good enforced holiday, which has probably done him the world of good. I'm very relieved to win and hopefully he's on course for the Diamond Jubilee again."

Queally, who was on the deck before the first race when his mount reared over, said: "The only moment of worry I had was when I was challenging. His head is in a very good place – he was nice and relaxed. He's a fun horse and evenings like this are fun."

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