Everything you need to know about Newmarket's July meeting

The jewel in Newmarket's crown is the Guineas meeting, but that takes place on the Rowley Mile and this week the July course has its moment in the sunshine – and there are few finer places when the sun is shining.

Why is the July festival so important?

Among British racing's most picturesque venues, the July course stages three days of high-class action that can also provide pointers to the following year's Classics.

It is also a fixture that, in its relaxed, bitesize form, probably does not lead to as much pressure as Royal Ascot or the Cheltenham Festival; three days in Wimbledon week to revel in the best of the British summer. Panamas and linen, not top hats and tails.

If you are not heading to Suffolk, tune into ITV3 on Thursday and Friday and the broadcaster's main channel for Saturday's fare.

All of the races are also live on Racing TV, while news, views, previews and pointers can be found on the Racing Post website and app.

Top Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien is a force at the July festival, as are local operators Stoute and Gosden, while Frankie Dettori – on the crest of a summer wave after a glorious Royal Ascot and Enable's slick comeback – will likely be popular with punters.

What is the feature race?

The Darley July Cup (4.40) – one of the most prestigious sprints in the world – assumes centre stage on Saturday and its honours board details many champion speedsters.

Advertise: a big winner at the royal meetingCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Advertise, who won the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, and Dream of Dreams, second to the retired Blue Point in the Diamond Jubilee, look like starting favourites.

What are the other highlights?

The Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes (3.35), which highlights Friday's card, is the other Group 1 at the meeting and also has a rich history, last year it was won by the brilliant Alpha Centauri.

Other Pattern contests to note are the Tattersalls July Stakes (2.25 Thursday), Duchess of Cambridge Stakes (2.25 Friday) and bet365 Superlative Stakes, which have set Green Desert, Attraction, Dr Devious and Dubawi on their way to much bigger and better things.

More immediate Classic clues could arrive via Thursday's Bahrain Trophy (1.50), which Masked Marvel won in 2011 before his St Leger triumph, while watch out if Sir Michael Stoute runs Mirage Dancer in the Princess of Wales's Stakes (3.35) on Thursday – a race the trainer has won a record nine times.

Handicaps also play an important part in the July meeting's make-up with the bet365 Trophy (3.00 Friday) and bet365 Bunbury Cup (3.30 Saturday) among the feature races.

Quick-fire stats

Top Trainers

Over the past five years, Charlie Appleby and Richard Hannon have been the trainers to side with as they have sent out 43 winners from 169 runners and 42 winners from 327 runners respectively. But runners from the stables of Mark Johnston and John Gosden are also worth keeping an eye on percentage-wise.

Top jockeys

James Doyle (52 winners from 217 rides at a strike rate of 24 per cent) and Harry Bentley (30 from 147 at a strike rate of 20 per cent) are the riders who have done best over the past five seasons. Aussie jockey Kerrin McEvoy has been picking up rides for some of the big stables on his current trip and can make a mark over the three-day festival.

Today's must-have offers

For must-have offers tap the free bets button on the racecard on the website and app or go to racingpost.com/free-bets