The hot trainers, jockeys and horses to follow on day one at Royal Ascot

At the Racing Post, we know the must-have information ahead of Royal Ascot 2019. Our experts pick out the hottest trainers, in-form jockeys and flying horses ahead of day one on Tuesday . . .

Willie Mullins
Better known as Ireland's top jumps trainer, Mullins has effortlessly switched tweed for top hats in recent years, launching several successful raids on Royal Ascot. That includes four of the last seven winners of the Ascot Stakes (5.00) in which he trains today's favourite Buildmeupbuttercup.

Clive Cox
Only John Gosden had more winners on the Flat at Ascot in 2018 than Clive Cox. He drew a blank at the royal meeting last year, but he arrives in flying form this time, with four of his last seven runners having proved successful. He is especially adept with two-year-olds and runs Golden Horde in the Coventry Stakes (3.05).

Clive Cox: does well at AscotCredit: David Carr

Charlie Appleby
One of the principal trainers for the powerful Godolphin operation, Appleby has been building up to Royal Ascot, sending out only a select group of seven runners in the last fortnight. However, four of them have won, suggesting their highly-skilled handler is bringing his string to concert pitch for the big day. Appleby runs seven today alone, with Blue Point probably the pick of his contenders in the King's Stand Stakes (3.40).

Jamie Spencer
Long since known as the master of Ascot's straight track (used for some races at a mile and all of those over shorter), veteran rider Jamie Spencer comes into the royal meeting this year on an excellent run of form, with five wins in the last fortnight from 19 rides. Phoenix Of Spain, leading fancy for the St James's Palace (4.20), is the pick of his three rides today.

Accidental Agent
Caused a huge shock in last year's Queen Anne and comes into this year's race (2.30) following a fine third in last month's Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. That was the best run of his career away from his beloved Ascot and the Queen Anne is one of the most open Group 1s of the week.

Accidental Agent flies home in last year's Queen Anne StakesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Elarqam
This colt has always been burdened with expectation – his sire is the legendary Frankel and his dam won five Group 1s. He has not always matched the faith, but got right back on track with a convincing win at Goodwood last time and shapes like the type who will be suited by Ascot. He gets a first taste of the track in the closing 5.35.

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