PartialLogo
News

What's on this week: July Cup the highlight as action builds to Super Saturday

Oxted winning last year's July Cup
Oxted winning last year's July CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

Monday

The pick of Monday's action could come in Ripon's , in which Kettle Hill – "a talented horse" according to master trainer William Haggas – bids to rebound from a tame effort at Redcar in April.

Racing also takes place at Ayr, Nottingham, Worcester and Windsor, but entries for one of the busiest Saturdays of the year are due just after lunchtime, so perhaps a few eyes will turn to the weekend action for some early form study.

Tuesday

Pontefract stages the Listed Weatherbys Bloodstock Pro Pipalong Stakes () and that looks the pick of the fare with the 105-rated Agincourt set to be a leading player.

Tom Marquand: rider is in sublime form
Tom Marquand: rider is in sublime formCredit: Pool

Tom Marquand, who rode a four-timer at Sandown on Saturday and is right in the hunt for a first champion jockey crown, is aboard Domino Darling in that and has three other mounts on Pontefract's card as he bids to maintain his fine form.

Wednesday

The Yeomanstown Stud Dark Angel Irish EBF Fillies Maiden at Fairyhouse on Wednesday (5.25) is over 6f, so the trip might be on the short side for Concert Hall, who has a wonderful pedigree being by the brilliant Dubawi, out of Oaks heroine Was.

It could be a sign of intent if she does run for Aidan O'Brien and the Coolmore partners, who may also have a say in the 1m2f conditions race with recent Ulster Derby winner Iowa.

Al Aasy: impressive winner of the John Porter Stakes
Al Aasy: possible star turn at Newmarket on ThursdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Thursday

Hopefully the weather will allow for racegoers to dust off their Panamas as Newmarket's three-day July festival starts and is marked by the possible appearance in the of Al Aasy, who still promises to be a top-class colt despite his reverse in the Coronation Cup last time.

Cazoo St Leger clues could come in the on the card, while Asymmetric, engaged in the , appears an exciting juvenile for Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer Alan King.

Friday

Lockinge second Lady Bowthorpe, owned by music agent to the stars Emma Banks, is among the performers who could top the charts in the ) at Newmarket, but the July course stages two cracking heritage handicaps at 1.50 and 3.00 as well.

Lady Bowthorpe (Kieran Shoemark) wins the Dahlia Stakes from Queen Power Newmarket 2.5.21 Pic: Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
Lady Bowthorpe: big player in the FalmouthCredit: Edward Whitaker

Ascot also stages a fixture, as does York, where two races will be screened on ITV3 alongside Newmarket's meeting.

Saturday

Some call this day Super Saturday, while to others it is an example of a busted fixture list, perhaps providing too much of a good thing all at once.

The highlight is Newmarket's , arguably the world's most important sprint, but the at York (4.05) is one of Britain's best and most famous handicaps, while the Betfred Summer Mile headlines Ascot's card and there are seven races at Chester that afternoon.

KILDARE, IRELAND - JUNE 26: Aidan O'Brien poses at Curragh Racecourse on June 26, 2016 in Kildare, Ireland. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
Aidan O'Brien: will the trainer scratch his Brownstown itch?Credit: Alan Crowhurst

Sunday

O'Brien has five entries in the at Fairyhouse – the only Irish Group race the world's pre-eminent trainer of thoroughbreds has never won.

Perth, Salisbury and Stratford race on Britain, although many might have their minds on the Euro 2020 final especially if England book a place in it against Italy or Spain.


Read more:

So Wonderful heads O'Brien team as trainer eyes full set of Irish Group races

Tropics: 'I saw something that day I hadn't seen much – he worked like a train'

'We can't go back to the same old programme' – racing warned over fixture list

York chief hopeful of bigger crowds despite likely delay to 'Freedom Day'

'Talented' Al Aasy has William Haggas purring as trainer eyes big targets


For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets


Lambourn correspondent

Published on inNews

Last updated

iconCopy