Royal Ascot 2019: tips from Racing Post experts for day one

Handicappers' nap

Mustashry (2.30 Ascot)

Typical late bloomer for Sir Michael Stoute who posted his best effort when winning the Lockinge and is likely to go well facing several of the same rivals again.
Simon Turner

Newmarket nap

Too Darn Hot ( 4.20 Ascot)

Has looked back to his best in two morning workouts on Long Hill over the past week and is fancied to turn the tables on his Curragh conqueror Phoenix Of Spain.
David Milnes

Eyecatcher

Battaash (3.40 Ascot)

Did too much too soon in this contest last season but he won the Temple Stakes last month far more impressively than he did in 2018, with Jim Crowley restraining him early. Similar patience should pay rich dividends.
Raceform

Irish angle

Arizona (3.05 Ascot)

The son of No Nay Never improved nicely from his debut second at the Curragh to win a six furlong maiden by eight lengths at the same track last month. He can deliver a ninth Coventry Stakes win for Aidan O'Brien.
Tony O'Hehir

Speed figures

Phoenix Of Spain (4.20 Ascot)

Never headed when powering home at the Curragh on his seasonal return last month and will be a tough nut to crack.
Dave Edwards

Spotlight nap

Phoenix Of Spain (4.20 Ascot)

Found Too Darn Hot too much when runner-up at Doncaster last September but reversed the placings in some style when making all in the Irish 2,000 Guineas. Stays a mile well and has the best three-year-old form in the line-up.
Richard Austen

Dark horse

King Of Athens (3.05 Ascot)

This War Front two-year-old was second to Arizona on debut, but was a touch slow away and looked in need of the experience that day. He should get closer this time around and represents a good each-way chance at a big price.
Dave Revers

Must-have stat of the day

Willie Mullins and Ryan Moore have figures of 11714 in the Ascot Stakes since 2012 (+£15 to £1 level stakes). They team up with Buildmeupbuttercup at 5.00.

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