Classic action coming up as the fillies take centre stage in the Irish Oaks

It is a Classic week with the Darley Irish Oaks the highlight on Saturday at the Curragh. Before then we have a busy week, including the chance for some inexpensive horses and some smaller owners to scoop a mega prize in the shape of the £250,000 Weatherbys Super Sprint.

Monday

A busy start to the week with five fixtures to look forward to, four in Britain and one in Ireland, where Killarney hosts the second day of its five-day festival.

We will also know a little more about the weekend action with confirmations and entries made for the likes of the Darley Irish Oaks, Weatherbys Super Sprint and the 188Bet Summer Plate at Market Rasen.

The picturesque Killarney hosts the second day of their five-day festival on MondayCredit: Patrick McCann

Tuesday

Killarney provides the highlight in the shape of the €50,000 Rentokil Initial Handicap Chase with many of Ireland’s leading jumps stables likely to be in action.

It is a quieter day in terms of quality in Britain, but there are still five fixtures to keep us entertained.

Wednesday

Wednesday's action offers something a bit different as the first of a trial series of optional claiming handicaps takes place at Yarmouth. Trainers can ‘buy’ a 7lb lower mark for their horse but, in doing so, they make that horse available to claim at a lower price.

What are optional claimers?

Thursday

An exciting evening in store at Leopardstown where the Group 3 ICON Meld Stakes takes place. Former winners include Famous Name, who won the race three times in a row in 2010, 2011 and 2012, and Decorated Knight, who triumphed in 2016 and went on to win the Irish Champion Stakes the following season.

We will also be able to get studying for the weekend with declarations made for Saturday’s action.

Silvestre de Sousa: will be on the sidelinesCredit: Harry Trump

Friday

Champion jockey Silvestre de Sousa starts his seven-day ban for failing to obtain the best possible placing on a recent ride at Chelmsford.

Read an in-depth interview with Silvestre de Sousa

He will be watching the progress of the likes of Danny Tudhope and Jim Crowley to see how much they can cut back his lead.

On the course there are six fixtures including Listed contests at Newbury and Hamilton, where the Heineken UK Scottish Sprint Cup also takes place.

Click here to watch Enable's bloodless triumph in the Irish Oaks 12 months ago

Saturday

Who will follow in the footsteps of Enable and claim the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh? The Classic is the big race on what is another busy day of action.

There are seven other meetings taking place including the highlights of the summer jumps programme – the Summer Plate and Summer Hurdle, both sponsored by 188Bet, at Market Rasen.

Sunday

The week ends with more good action from the Curragh and the chance to reflect on what will surely have been another excellent seven days of racing.

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