Racing News round-up: John Oxx is reporting that his impressive miler Azamour is bang on target for the Juddmonte International at York on August 17th.

The son of Night Shift is likely to clash with Rakti and French ace Bago in what promises to be a fascinating renewal of the Group One highlight.

Oxx has been happy with Azamour since he won the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and is looking forward to seeing his charge try a mile and a quarter for the first time.

"He's in good form and all is well with him - he's still on course for York," Oxx said. "We're looking forward to it and hopefully the increase in distance will suit him well, but until they do it you don't know for sure, especially against opposition like that.

"But the indications are that he'd be happier going more than a mile and he seems to be progressing the right way."

The lightly-raced Azamour caught the eye when a fast-finishing third to Haafhd on his seasonal reappearance in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in May.

He was favourite to land the Irish equivalent on his next start but was beaten a length into second by Bachelor Duke.

However, the vibes were strong before the Royal meeting and he proved some shrewd money correct by beating Diamond Green a neck, with his Guineas conquerors in arrears.

Azamour forms part of a dual raid on the Knavesmire's big prizes for the Currabeg handler, with Hazarista booked for the Aston Upthorpe Yorkshire Oaks the following day.

The Barathea filly ran the race of her life to chase home Ouija Board and Punctilious in the Irish Oaks, beaten a length and three-parts of a length.

"She's come out of the Curragh race well and that's the plan for her if things go well in the meantime," Oxx added.

"We were in the dark about her capabilities and her ability to get the trip before the Oaks, so we were delighted with the run. We couldn't have been more pleased."

Hazarista is likely to face a rematch with both Ouija Board and Punctilious in that York encounter.