Exceed out to excel in July Cup

Australian sprinting star Exceed And Excel is expected to try to go one better than his compatriot Choisir in the Darley July Cup, the feature race of the week.

The Group One contest over six furlongs at Newmarket on Thursday is firmly on the agenda for the Tim Martin-trained runner after he was forced to miss Royal Ascot through illness.

Choisir could only finish second to Oasis Dream in this race last year after two sensational wins at the Royal meeting, so Martin will be hoping Sheikh Mohammed’s four-year-old can go one place better.

Tim Easterby’s Golden Jubilee Stakes winner Fayr Jag leads the home defence as he attempts to make it a Group One double.

Dual Guineas heroine and Coronation Stakes winner Attraction puts her unbeaten record on the line in the UAE Equestrian And Racing Federation Stakes on Tuesday, the first of the three-day meeting at Newmarket.

Mark Johnston’s filly will be facing her elders for the first time and Soviet Song and Favourable Terms should ensure a proper test.

Attraction won the Chippenham Lodge Stud Cherry Hinton Stakes last season and this year’s renewal is on the same card.

The Betdax Princess Of Wales’s Stakes highlights the middle day of the meeting.

Some exciting handicap action is on offer at both Ascot and York over the weekend.

Saturday sees the 45th John Smith’s Cup at York and a big field is guaranteed for this ultra-competitive 10-furlong event, while Friday see the Group Three Cuisine De France Summer Stakes take pride of place.

Ascot also has a two-day fixture on offer with the £65,000 (€97,000) totesport Stakes the pick of Saturday’s betting action.

The Group Three Michael Page International Silver Trophy Stakes over a mile adds a bit of class to a competitive card.

Chester also have some good weekend action with the Road Range Chester City Wall Stakes the pick.

Bishops Court has won this race for the last two years and Lynda Ramsden’s popular veteran could return for another crack at the Listed contest.

Fixtures (FLAT in capitals):

Monday: BATH, MUSSELBURGH, RIPON (evening), WINDSOR (evening).

Tuesday: NEWMARKET (CH4), PONTEFRACT, Uttoxeter (evening), SOUTHWELL (evening).

Wednesday: CATTERICK, KEMPTON (evening), LINGFIELD, NEWMARKET (CH4), Worcester (evening).

Thursday: DONCASTER (evening), EPSOM (evening), FOLKESTONE, NEWMARKET (CH4), WARWICK.

Friday: ASCOT (BBC), CHEPSTOW (evening), CHESTER (evening), SOUTHWELL, YORK.

Saturday: ASCOT (BBC), CHESTER (CH4), HAMILTON (evening), NOTTINGHAM, SALISBURY (evening), YORK (CH4).

Sunday: BATH, HAYDOCK, Stratford.