Royal Ascot tips for Day One (Tuesday) from our expert

Top sprinter Battaash, who is strongly fancied for one of the big races on the first day of Royal Ascot (PHOTO BY: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images).

So, here we go! One of the higlights of the racing calendar is upon us, and it’s fingers crossed that the rain stays away and the trains run!

The opening day kicks off with three Group One contests, two Groups Twos and the first handicap puzzle of the week. Here are my selections, plus next-best alternatives and, where applicable, each/way options. It could be quite a day for owner Hamdan Al Maktoum and jockey Jim Crowley.

2.30 (1m Queen Anne Stakes, Group 1)

MUSTASHRY (Barney Roy, Stormy Antarctic)

3.05 (6f Coventry Stakes, 2yo, Group 2)

MONOSKI (Threat, Guildsman)

3.40 (5f King’s Stand Stakes, Group 1)

BATTAASH (Mabs Cross, Soldier’s Call)

4.20 (1m St James’s Palace Stakes, 3yo, Group 1)

PHOENIX OF SPAIN (Too Darn Hot)

5.00 (2m4f Ascot Stakes Handicap)

COEUR DE LION

5.35 (10f Wolferton Stakes, Listed)

ELARQAM (Willie John, Latrobe)