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1714: Back to the drawing board, or possibly off to the sales, for Emissary as that was undeniably disappointing.

A good display from a progressive winner who provides William Buick with another success in a possible title race challenge.

That's all for today on the blog. Thank you for your company and enjoy the rest of your weekend; I'm off to watch the cricket!

I'll leave you with Cognac.

1711: Cognac is a little free in the lead as they pass halfway. They race in single file behind with Good Birthday leading Emissary and Harrovian.

All the jockeys asking questions with two furlongs to run.

Cognac veers but stays on well as Emissary flattens out and Harrovian stays on well for second.

And late money sees Cognac returned the 6/4 favourite, I think 2/1 was the last show I saw.

1708: Emissary is approaching the stalls in this intriguing contest.

Harrovian and Good Birthday were down the field in the John Smith's Cup, the latter now wears cheekpieces and is on the same mark as when third in the Cambridgeshire so there's certainly a case to be made for him.

More obvious claims, however, are held by Cognac who shaped as though he'd appreciate this step up to 10 furlongs but isn't that stoutly bred. It's quite a puzzle.

1706: Callum Shepherd has been speaking to Racing TV after his victory on Laser Show and said: "[He enjoyed] The benefit of coming up the middle of the track and having time to respond to challenges. He's gone through the gears, they got up to his shoulder, and then he's taken off and hit the line really strong and responded to pressure really nicely.

"He's in great form and he handles dirt and what is very quick conditions today. There was a bit of good form in that race for sure and you'd like think he could be competitive in some big handicaps after that. He galloped out really nicely after the line."

1658: Glory Fighter was well on top by the finish at Haydock and it would be no surprise to see him continue to progress up the ranks.

1655: Co-favourites again at Haydock but that won't be the case at Newmarket where Emissary has his first start since finishing down the field in the Epsom Derby.

He was a 40/1 chance that day but he had run well against Khalifa Sat prior to that and, I don't think, was just making up the numbers.

He is rated 98 though which is obviously no gift on his handicap debut and others, arguably, have less to prove.

1651: From one competitive sprint handicap to another as Haydock closes with a five furlong heat.

Glory Fighter is being backed to open his account for Iain Jardine having been bought out of Charlie Hills' yard and he wouldn't be the first runner that the Scottish handler has enjoyed success with from the same source.

1648: Princess Power came home well to finish second but the old boy Blue De Vega had flown by then and showed them all a clean pair of heels, so to speak.

The winner was returned at 13/2 and not very many got into that race.

1640: The last at Ascot is fast approaching and Simon Holt will be hoping to call home his selection, Princess Power but the one for the money is Whelans Way, a narrow winner at Newbury last time.

Daschas is also proving popular and it's always worth taking note of a move for a runner from the Stuart Williams yard.

It's a typically open sprint handicap and I'm going to throw in Kick On Kick On who has fallen a long way down the ranks, in the hope that cheekpieces coupled with his declining mark will see him fare better.

1639: Evening Sun got a nice lead into the race but couldn't get past Laser Show who ran on well up the rising ground to win by a few lengths and there didn't appear to be any obvious excuses.

Perhaps a stronger pace would have suited the favourite but he was readily put in his place.

1633: I doubt whether Evening Sun can win as easily as that and I don't suppose that William Buick will mind how he gets the job done as long as he does collect.

Zegalo will be attempting to hand Roger Varian a fifth winner of the day but he's up 7lbs for winning at Sandown and facing a potentially smart rival who, at this stage, is about potential.

It's hard to get excited about the remainder although Toronto is an interesting recruit for James Given.

1630: They were underway a little behind time at Haydock where Aristocratic Lady proved herself miles ahead of the handicapper in coming from last to first.

I thought she was going to be an unlucky loser but she fairly scooted through the gap when it appeared and went clear. She's going to be hunting black type after this you'd imagine.

1626: The 1635 at Newmarket hasn't been a happy hunting ground for favourites but that could be about to change with the highly promising Evening Sun.

His handicap debut at Ascot didn't really pan out and it will be disappointing if he doesn't fare a good deal better.

1617: Simon and Ed Crisford were out of luck there but they will be hoping for better at Haydock where Ryan Moore rides odds-on favourite Aristocratic Lady.

Like Al Rufaa a few races back, she's got a mighty rise to cope with and is fully 13lbs higher than for her latest win but she did collect with plenty up her sleeve, or so it seemed.

She Can Boogie is taking a walk in the market but has come a long way down the weights and shaped with more promise last time. Tom Dascombe does well at this venue and she shaped as though this first crack at six furlongs might suit.

The main threat would appear to come from Wedding Date who was by no means disgraced in the Stewards' Cup but this looks to be all about the top one.

1613: Grand Bazaar attempted to make all under Martin Harley and made a fine fist of it but he was cut down close home by Shandoz. Possibly. It's another photo, involving two sons of Golden Horn. Interesting stuff.

The result has been confirmed and that is a four-timer for Roger Varian and a fine ride from David Egan with Wise Glory in fourth under Andrea Atzeni.

1606: We're not too far away from the evening cards getting underway but there's a decent middle distance handicap to enjoy from Ascot first.

Grand Bazaar, like Al Rufaa, is another progressive handicapper from the Gosden stable but I thought Bronze River was a sporting option in a tight race. He caught the eye at Royal Ascot and although he hasn't exactly fulfilled that view in two starts since, I thought the extra two furlongs would suit.

Alex Hammond is very keen on Al Madhar while Shandoz is notably short in the betting on his seasonal reappearance for the Varian stable. The Salisbury maiden he contested on his second start worked out remarkably well as it featured Kenzai Warrior, Max Vega, Mambo Nights and Khalifa Sat!

1604: Royal Marine did go well (albeit fading to finish fourth) but Al Rufaa continued his progression with a dominant display to return the 5/2 favourite.

A big handicap or a step up to pattern company surely beckons with solid yardsticks Tomfre and Bear Force One filling the places.

Could he be heading to the Cambridgeshire?

1556: At Newmarket there's an interesting mix of Group horses coming back in grade and progressive handicappers with Al Rufaa and Bear Force One representing the latter.

There has been a little interest in both Royal Marine and Fox Champion at the top of the weights though and both are very well handicapped if getting back to anywhere near their best.

Al Rufaa is 12lbs higher than when winning at Newmarket so clearly has a lot more on his plate but Bear Force One only has a 5lb rise to contend with as he drops back a furlong in trip.

It's an interesting conundrum.

A big run from Fox Champion would provide a welcome boost for the Hannon yard as the worst fears are confirmed with the news that Fly Miss Helen had to be put down after going badly wrong in the Sweet Solera.

1553: It's a finish almost as close as the market suggested it would be and Northernpowerhouse denied Breath Of Air and Irreverent.

That was a closely matched group of handicappers and the official assessor can be pleased with his work.

1542: I'll catch my breath before Haydock while they race at Cork.

It's a decent handicap and we've a tipster head-to-head with Simon Holt and David Ord both having selections. I wonder if anyone has priced up that match bet?

There are three 5/1 co-favourites and another runner at 11/2 which just about sums up this 12 runner race. It's a tough game.

1538: Look Closely (7/2) holds on narrowly (thankfully) from Hyanna as those that raced prominently dominated.

It's far from the first time we've seen events pan out like that at Ascot on the round course and a few of those in behind can be marked up.

It's another winner for Roger Varian, the Newmarket handler is having quite the day.

1532: Meanwhile at Ascot.

Charlie Fellowes is singing the praises of Jeremiah who will "hopefully go and win on the bridle. He will only ever do as much as he has to. He's a complete monkey of the highest order."

I'm not convinced that Caradoc is entirely straightforward either and I wondered whether it was chancing Hyanna at a price but I haven't.

Look Closely and Omnivega are more obvious contenders and David Simcock, trainer of the latter, says: "He's talented and improving and hopefully he'll run well. He used to be quite fiery and we'll need a bit of luck."

1529: The market leaders share the lead in France with James Doyle and Volkan Star on the outside as the field race in two groups of three.

Into the straight and little change to the order as is often the case in France but they're quickening now.

Volkan Star produces a laboured performance and it's Port Guillaume who impresses and boosts the French Derby form in the process. Could that be a big pointer to the Arc de Triomphe?

1525: It's also time for Volkan Star at Deauville but Port Guillaume is a strong favourite for the 'home team'.

1522: Split screen time as the favourite obliges at Haydock.

Fly Miss Helen has broken down badly at Newmarket, that looks very sad indeed. Thoughts with connections.

There's a surprise winner as Star of Emaraaty wins at 66/1.

Dubai Fountain and the maiden Seattle Rock take the places.

One suspects this is a Group race that may not work out all that well.

1520: They've gone off at Haydock.

1517: While I was looking for a clip of Fly Miss Helen, one has got loose at Haydock and One Step Too Far has been withdawn but we could be a while yet as he's still haring around the track.

Some of the field are still in the stalls so they may delay Newmarket as a knock on effect. Or not, they're loading at Newmarket.

1515: As far as Newmarket is concerned, there is opposition to Fly Miss Helen with Danilova and Dubai Fountain being backed.

1510: Four more to come from Haydock including this novice stakes at 1515 where a newcomer from the Haggas stable heads the betting and that will be quickly followed by Newmarket's feature, the Sweet Solera.

Intriguingly at the Merseyside venue, there's some support for the favourite's stablemate, Al Tarmaah, who does have the benefit of a run. He blew the start that day but was sent off a 13/2 chance and did cost a pretty penny.

There looks to be plenty of deadwood in here behind the representatives from the top yards and this may not take too much winning.

1506: Mondain made a bold bid to land a shock win but he was cut down inside the distance by another outsider in Island Brave (33/1) with Sleeping Lion a few lengths away in third.

1459: Holy Kingdom has taken over at the top of the market with loading well underway.

1454: They're in the saddle for the two mile handicap at Ascot where Northumberland Plate second Australis heads the betting as he bids to cap an excellent day's work for Roger Varian.

Mondain won the Plate consolation race but bombed out last time. He's a big price on the back of that and wouldn't be the first from the yard to bounce back with a big run although looks up against it on the balance of his form.

Sleeping Lion, Holy Kingdom, Red Force One and Kaloor all have their supporters against a favourite who has to conclusively prove his ability to handle turf and if I had to choose one to take on the favourite it would be the first named.

1452: It's a fair trip to Newmarket for Michael Dods and the journey nearly paid off but Magisterium was run down by Thank You Next (7/2) who provides a further boost for Zamaani's Goodwood nursery win following yesterday's victory for Perotto.

1449: The Grand Prix de Paris and St Leger are under consideration for English King says Ed Walker who will be hoping Caradoc can put his best foot forwards in the 1535.

Walker is keen to give his three-year-old another chance to prove himself as a top class 12 furlong horse but the present is all about the (well, possibly not 'all') nursery at Newmarket.

1443: It could feel a long way home for Dettori as Extra Elusive (11/2) makes all under a fine ride from Hollie Doyle. It appeared as though the field were always close enough if good enough but nothing could get to the Roger Charlton-trained runner.

There was no pace so Doyle took on the running from eventual second Certain Lad which reveals plenty.

Arguably inconclusive for Global Giant with regards to his future but he's clearly vulnerable in a tactical race over this trip.

1438: Loading will begin shortly and there's little change to the market.

1433: The ITV Racing team give their occasional colleague Turner a decent round of applause on her return to the winner's enclosure but the focus switches to Haydock Park for the Rose of Lancaster Stakes.

Global Giant is odds-on and looks firmly on an upward curve which might not be the case with Zaaki, a solid performer at this level.

Extra Elusive chased the jolly home last time and has attracted, presumably, each-way support but this is all about the favourite for me; one of only two rides on the card for Frankie Dettori (finished third on Farzeen on the other).

1427: The money continued to come for Via Serendipity (7/2 favourite) and it was a happy outcome for his supporters as he fairly dotted up under Turner.

There was also money for the yard's Jeremiah. Can they land the double?

1422: Hayley Turner is hopeful of a big run from market mover Via Serendipity ("He's got a great chance") but the market has Shelir at the top and it's hard to argue with that.

David O'Meara is enjoying another productive season and the ex-Irish four-year-old has caught the eye on a couple of occasions for this yard already. This does provide a slightly different test with a smaller field and going back over a mile but it would appear to be a reasonable opportunity if he's ever going to deliver on the promise.

1419: Lowly fare but quite an exciting finish with Ayo Patsy flying home to no avail as Bear Me In Mind (4/1) lands the money for 'Trotter' Nicholls in a photo from Say It As It Is.

1415: From a Group One winner to a juvenile selling stakes at Newmarket where Myboymax is the market leader for the Hannon team but there is market opposition in the shape of Ayo Patsy and Bear Me In Mind.

1413: Andrew Balding interviewed on ITV Racing suggests that we could see Kameko back in action next weekend for the Jacques Le Marois saying: "[We're] Very happy with him, alive and kicking and in very good form."

1411: You could argue that she's done no more than she was entitled to do in that company but it was still encouraging to see Veracious make such light work of her rivals on her seasonal reappearance and it will be surprising if she doesn't derive considerable benefit from the run.

1407: Well placed throughout and with Ryan Moore seemingly always confident, she had to knuckle down but Veracious (11/10 favourite) did stamp her class on proceedings.

Posted ran a blinder to be beaten around three parts of a length but I think it's fair to say that the bare form flatters her.

Farzeen kept on well for third having been in the vanguard from the off.

1403: The money is coming for Veracious and she's back into 11/10.

Farzeen is second favourite at 13/2 and it's 8/1 bar but perhaps Final Song might be able to get back to the form of her Guineas fourth behind Love. They're off.

1357: Back to Haydock (although Cork does go first) for the Dick Hern Stakes where Veracious remains uneasy in the market.

At what price does the favourite become backable? Assuming you fancy her chances in the first place of course.

A couple of these step up in class after winning handicaps and Tomorrow's Dream and Festive Star at least come into the race in form which is more than can be said for the former's stablemate Wejdan who is another Haggas runner to be tried in different headgear today.

1353: The morning money was for Chil Chil (7/2 favourite), ridden by columnist Oisin Murphy, and she showed a really good turn of foot to go through a gap and put the race to bed.

1346: Graceful Magic didn't do anything like enough at Goodwood to be recommended back in handicap company and a far more obvious chance is held by Theotherside who saw off Will To Win in good fashion at Newmarket. There should be more to come.

1344: Well, well, well. Wakening impresses for Gosden to continue his fantastic run in that contest despite drifting out to 9/1.

She was pushed all the way by Statement in what should prove to be an informative race.

The first Value Bet selection of the day comes up in the next at Ascot, click on the image below.

1337: A field of newcomers at Newmarket but Looktotherainbow has been strongly supported for Charlie Appleby and William Buick. She is a half-sister to the smart Ribchester.

Appleby won this race in 2016 and 2017 with Wuheida and Peace Trail and the former went on to become top class.

John Gosden has won half of the last 10 renewals so, although there's no immediate market encouragement behind Wakening, it might be worth keeping an eye on her with the future in mind.

Arion Fox is the second favourite but second time out may be the time to catch him (see the first at Ascot).

1332: Dubai Mirage (3/1) had his head out to one side but he's made a mockery of his handicap mark and has bolted up under Hector Crouch.

They appears to have gone too quickly from the off which was no help to Yes My Boy who was involved in a bunched finish for the minors but the winner has won very easily regardless.

Huboor (14/1) and Club Wexford (100/1) take the places with the less than willing Nicklaus just missing out on third - oh good!

1328: The well backed Yes My Boy is at the other end of his career to a number of his rivals and there's every chance that he'll be able to continue his progression but he could do that and still lose in this competitive race.

Dubai Mirage has caught the eye of Martin Dixon both on course and in the formbook.

1326: Going down at Haydock where I think Nicklaus is worth an each-way interest (for the final time) in no small part down to William Haggas' record when applying headgear.

He's slipped a little way down the weights and has Ryan Moore in the plate so everything looks in place for a good run.

1324: The terrestrial coverage gets underway shortly on ITV4 and if you're yet to make your mind up, perhaps this will help:

1320: It's another winner for Roger Varian as Line of Departure runs on strongly to take the spoils but Jadwal's race was lost at the start as he missed the kick and then got lit up in making up the ground.

1313: Line Of Departure is up 5lbs for winning a nursery at Yarmouth but given he's a half-brother to Golden Horde it's reasonable to hope for further improvement. He's second favourite behind Jadwal who certainly impressed at Newmarket.

The front two in the market have flip-flopped and not far behind them in the market is Ataser who is trained by new handler Terry Kent and this one was his first career winner. He has worked for some of the biggest names in Newmarket, including 18 years at Godolphin. There's a degree of market confidence behind his runner.

1311: Et Tu Brute and Jadwal re-oppose at Ascot where outsider of the field Cobweb Corner is one of two runners on the card for Nigel Tinkler.

The Yorkshire trainer is reaping the rewards of a change in policy that has seen him hold on to his better horses rather than selling them abroad. The market doesn't suggest this gelding is going to do what Acklam Express did at Goodwood but better can be expected from the back-to-form Princess Power in the last on the card.

1306: Hot off the press is Fran Berry's Cork preview and it's a decent card. Click on the image to read.

1300: Looks like they're going to get off on time at Haydock.

Banksea set a furious gallop in the blinkers but folded tamely as Kayewhykelly (5/1) ran on well to take the spoils with the three vying for favouritism getting going too late in the day which was a little surprising at first glance given the pace set by the runaway Banksea.

1258: We've had one surprising winner at Haydock so far and connections of Banksea will be hoping that a change of headgear works wonders for their charge.

A decent sort in his prime but he's really struggling for form now and the market looks a little lop-sided with Le Reveur, Star of Valour and Toro Dorado all hovering around the 3/1 mark.

1249: Over at Haydock, Kayewhykelly and Jason Hart are walking to the start in plenty of time for the off (1300).

There's been some money at prices for Internationaltiger, trained by Richard Fahey, and his column explains that it might be more in hope than expectation.

"We’ve stuck a visor on him as he’s an extremely disappointing horse. We know he can gallop from what we see at home so have reached for the headgear. If we get our own way we might try to make the running too.

He’s very well handicapped but has shown next to nothing of late, including at Hamilton last Saturday, hence the visor. He’s still a colt but that might not last for very long unless he shapes up."

1246: They went without French Conquest in the end (one or two played up a little) and it was left to Laneqash (6/4 favourite) to make a winning debut, well on top at the line. The market spoke volumes.

The first four pulled clear but there was a perfectly encouraging run from Spirit Mixer a little further back, keep an eye out for him at Salisbury next time!

1240: No sooner said......Laneqash tightens up in the market to 7/4 and there doesn't appear to be an awful lot of opposition to him in the betting ring at least.

1237: You'd expect, and hope, that an Ascot maiden is going to throw up a few winners but finding today's scorer from this field of newcomers may not be straightforward.

Laneqash heads the betting for Roger Varian and Jim Crowley but I wouldn't be at all surprised if he needed this initial experience and the same is true of second favourite Spirit Mixer.

Jim McGrath and Alex Hammond (on Sky Sports Racing) liked French Conquest in the preliminaries and that would do for me as an each-way option.

1233: Anna Of Lorraine didn't show an awful lot while Magic Voice looked a little one paced in third but the winner was Daafr, returned at 28/1.

1228: Martin Dixon has just described Magic Voice as a 'well handicapped horse' on Racing TV and the yard is in form.

Does 3/1 appeal?

1227: They're down at the start at Haydock and it won't be too long until the same is true at Ascot.

1224: In the second at Haydock, there's been support for Star of Valour with the hat-trick seeking Le Reveur surprisingly weak while in the third, Yes My Boy is just one of Hollie Doyle's rides that is proving popular in the market.

Before all of that, we've got division one of the Keyworkers Handicap where Ryan Moore and Sir Michael Stoute will be hoping to get off to a good start with the lightly raced Anna of Lorraine.

It would be surprising if there's not a lot more to come given connections and a number of her rivals are relatively exposed.

1214: I'm sure you're all on the ball but a reminder is never out of place and a heads-up that we're under 20 minutes away from the first at Haydock Park. We move swiftly on to Ascot but then have to wait an hour for Newmarket and Cork to join the party.

1209: If you're scanning the cards and wondering where James Doyle is, then wonder no longer as he's in Deauville where he teams up with Charlie Appleby to ride Volkan Star as they attempt to land the Group Two Prix Hocquart for the second successive year.

The trainer told the Godolphin website: "Volkan Star brought a very progressive profile into the Prix du Lys and duly obliged. This is another step up in class but he has done well since his last run. We are feeling our way through the grades and hope he can run another good race."

Which is all fairly non-committal. Port Guillaume was fifth in the French Derby and looks the one to beat.

1203: There's an intriguing clash between Longhouse Sale and Pacify earlier on the Uttoxeter card.

The latter finished 18 lengths in front of the former over hurdles at Kempton last October but makes his chase debut here whereas his rival is one from one in this sphere (and conceding weight as a result). It's a good little race.

1158: Not that market support is the be all and end all of course. If it were, we'd all be quids in except the bookies and I'd certainly have a few notes in my pocket courtesy of Present Chief.

He caught my eye in a maiden hurdle but has been a beaten favourite in both handicap starts. That hasn't stopped the money coming for him again (although he's possibly shortened up due to a lack of support for Hello Fellas on debut for Fergal O'Brien) and I'll be hoping that the step up to a staying trip will unlock that bit of improvement required to get off the mark over obstacles.

You've gotta have faith as George Michael used to sing.

1152: I'm looking forward to seeing how Shanghai Rock gets on in the nursery at Ascot as he didn't shape too badly on his second start in an Ascot maiden which his trainer, Hannon, has a fine record in and duly won.

There's no obvious encouragement in the market though and that has to be a concern.

1148: I'm disappointed that Bolleville has come out of the Give Thanks Stakes at Cork as she made a decent impression on debut for Joseph O'Brien and her absence may well have left the way clear for Irish Oaks second Cayenne Pepper to take the spoils.

1144: There's also Group race action on the July Course at Newmarket with the Sweet Solera Stakes.

Fly Miss Helen landed a few bets when making a winning debut and hails from the Richard Hannon stable whose juveniles are in such good form. They tend to improve from their first start and this is a race the yard has enjoyed plenty of success in.

I don't think her (relative) inexperience will be an issue and she looks a worthy favourite.

1134: There is still an odds-on favourite for the Rose of Lancaster Stakes in Global Giant.

He made a winning start for John Gosden at Wolverhampton in the winter, posting some hugely impressive sectionals and today provides him with the opportunity to live up expectations raised by that run at Dunstall Park. I'm not sure he was entirely suited by the way the race was run at Sandown (besides which the form looks strong with Aspetar winning a Group Two next time) and he duly stepped up at Newbury where he had Goodwood winner Pablo Escobarr back in third.

He doesn't have very much in hand on official ratings though and Simon Holt (click on the image below to read), for one, is happy to take him on.

1122: One that there isn't any money for particularly is Veracious in the Dick Hern Stakes at Haydock which is a little surprising even if it is her seasonal reappearance.

She won the Group One Falmouth Stakes last season so this Listed contest should be well within her grasp if she's within hailing distance of peak form but the layers have pushed her out from odds-on to 13/8.

There are still nine runners and three places on offer and with the betting at 5/1 bar the favourite, there is a good each-way shape to the race.

1107: The market movers from Sky Bet and Paddy Power (along with their offers) are on site.

Chil Chil is proving popular with both firms at Ascot as is Jeremiah and there has also been money for that one's stablemate, Via Serendipity, who is having a first start for Charlie Fellowes.

1100: Good morning and welcome to today's live racing blog.

It may not be top drawer action, it may not even be the Shergar Cup but we do have plenty of good, solid, competitive fare to enjoy.

There are a few non-runners with a notable absentee in the first at Ascot in the shape of the regally bred Megallan who had taken up a fair chunk of the market in the opening shows.

There's nothing very dramatic in the going with the fine weather covering large swathes of the country.

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