What's on this week: Group 1 action returns as star sprinters set for Haydock

Monday

The bank holiday Monday fun will be back at Cartmel for the first time in two years, with a bumper crowd expected at the Cumbria track for its biggest meeting of the year.

There are three valuable Class 2 contests on the card and the 2m1½f handicap chase (3.30) features Tonto's Spirit bid for a seventh success at the track for local trainer Dianne Sayer.

Ripon hosts a classy meeting on the Flat, with the highlight the Listed Ripon Champion Two Yrs Old Trophy (3.05), while Epsom stages the Amateurs' Derby (3.45).

Chepstow and Wolverhampton also race in Britain, while the two meetings in Ireland come from Downpatrick and Roscommon.

Tuesday

Ripon and Epsom stage the second of their two-day meetings, with the feature race at the Yorkshire track the City Of Ripon Handicap (2.30). Briardale and Bollin Margaret were course-and-distance winners earlier in the season but both need to bounce back from disappointing efforts last time.

Two jumping cards provide the evening action from both ends of Britain, with Newton Abbott – where Chez Hans seeks a six-timer in the 2m1f handicap hurdle (5.30) – and Hexham in action.

Wednesday

Oisin Murphy has built up a wide-margin lead in the jockeys' championship as he seeks a third title and has the chance to extend that gap at Lingfield.

Murphy, who won in pattern company at Goodwood at the weekend, looks to have a fine chance on Quarantini in the 7f handicap (3.30).

Oisin Murphy: has a good book of rides at Lingfield on WednesdayCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

The other afternoon interest comes from Bath and Gowran Park, as well as a jumps card from Uttoxeter.

In the evening, there is jumping at Worcester and Flat fare from Hamilton, which features an intriguing 6f nursery (5.50).

Thursday

There is some welcome Group action in Britain on Thursday as Salisbury hosts the Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes (2.35), which resulted in Happy Romance defeating none other than three-time top-level winner Alcohol Free in last year's running.

The entries this year are headed by Listed winner Tardis and Royal Ascot seventh Illustrating, while the Queen's Intelligentsia and Pearl Glory put their unbeaten records on the line.

Happy Romance: last year's winner of the Dick Poole Fillies' StakesCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Sedgefield, Dundalk and Haydock, where there is a classy-looking conditions stakes over 7f (3.45), also race that afternoon.

The evening revolves around the final round of the inaugural Racing League at Newcastle. With six races to go, will Team Thoroughbid be able to hold their lead at the top of the table or can one of the chasing pack claw them back? There is an interesting race for the leading jockey award too, with Hayley Turner and Louis Steward tied at the top on 207 points.

Chelmsford and Clonmel also provide more evening action.

Friday

Haydock stages the second of its three-day meeting and features The Tin Man Handicap (2.20) – named in honour of the three-time Group 1 winner who won the 2018 Sprint Cup and placed in the race on three other occasions.

His trainer James Fanshawe and owners Fred Archer Racing could bid to win the race with Bomb Proof, who was second at Kempton last time.

Ascot offers some competitive handicaps on its seven-race card while there is also afternoon racing from Newcastle. Pontefract and Kempton provide the evening action in Britain while Down Royal and Kilbeggan races in Ireland.

Saturday

Group 1 action returns in Britain at Haydock with its feature race of the year, the Betfair Sprint Cup (3.30), set to take centre stage.

July Cup winner Starman heads the betting to continue his brilliant campaign and he could reoppose against Dragon Symbol, Creative Force and Glen Shiel, who all finished behind him at Newmarket. T

There is also Group and Listed action from the Merseyside track plus some competitive handicaps.

Dragon Symbol (left), Starman (light blue, centre) and Glen Shiel (dark blue cap) could all turn up in the Sprint CupCredit: Mark Cranham

The September Stakes at Kempton (2.05) was the scene of Enable's final victory last year and is one of two Group 3s on a card that also features the London Mile final (2.40), while Ascot stages a heritage handicap for three-year-olds over 1m4f (3.10).

The afternoon action in Britain is completed by Thirsk and Stratford before evening racing from Wolverhampton, while Navan and Wexford race in Ireland.

Sunday

Attention will be drawn to France where the unbeaten Baaeed remains on course to step up into Group 1 company for the first time in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp.

The exciting three-year-old bypassed Goodwood's Group 2 Celebration Mile on Saturday and instead will look to extend his winning streak to five in Sunday's showpiece contest for trainer William Haggas, who last won the race in 2009.

There is a Listed sprint from York in the shape of the Garrowby Stakes, which was won last year by Starman as well as the likes of Limato in the past, while the rest of the action in Britain is over the jumps from Fontwell and Perth.

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