This is a great weekend for followers of the international turf, with top-class action on both sides of the Atlantic. In England, still reeling after a pair of "exits" – Europe and Euro 2016 – there is the opportunity to "feel good" by watching another renewal of the historic Coral-Eclipse Stakes (10 fur.). Once the richest race run in the British Isles, the Eclipse was first contested in 1886.

A select field of seven acceptors is scheduled to face the starter at 3:45 p.m. BST (8:15 p.m. in India) on Saturday, July 2^nd. The older generation is represented chiefly by the high class Juddmonte hope, Time Test (by Dubawi), from Roger Charlton's storied Beckhampton yard in Marlborough, Wiltshire. With the four-year-old's regular partner Ryan Moore claimed elsewhere, Pat Smullen – brimming with confidence following a pair of Derby victories astride Harzand – assumes command. This combination, quoted at 4 to 1, will be assisted by pacemaking stablemate Countermeasure (by American Post), who will presumably try to ensure a truly run race.

Another with a similar rating and identical price in the betting market is recent Royal Ascot hero My Dream Boat (by Lord Shanakill), whose sire – banished from the Irish National Stud – now holds court in Pennsylvania, USA. Rider Adam Kirby, fresh off a highly successful meeting at that Berkshire course, is back for another go on the Clive Cox-trained colt, who has won 4 of his last 5 starts. He has gone on record as having said that the Royal Ascot victory – in the course of which he beat the likes of Found and A Shin Hikari – was "definitely no fluke".

The only other older horse with a semblance of a chance is the Dettori/Gosden candidate, Western Hymn (by High Chaparral), who has been consistent without being threatening. Having been beaten fair and square by both the above-named four-year-olds, the gelding is available at 16 to 1.

Representing the classic generation, and thus set to carry 11 lbs. less than his older rivals, is The Gurkha (by Galileo). This inexperienced runner, whose resume includes a win in the French 2000 Guineas equivalent, did not run at 2 and made his debut as recently as April this year. Although he represents the all-powerful Coolmore/Aidan O'Brien/Ryan Moore partnership, he would hardly symbolize value should he start at odds-on. He will be joined on the trip over from Ireland by stablemate Bravery (by Galileo), the mount of Colm O'Donoghue.

Potentially the best three-year-old engaged may turn out to be Godolphin's supplemented Hawkbill (by Kitten's Joy). Given that he has struck a loaded vein of form, this progressive colt could well be better than the Group 3 company he kept last time. Charlie Appleby's ward has not been beaten in the five career starts in which he has been ridden by William Buick. At 7 to 1, the chestnut has some appeal, more so as his owners have stumped up £30,000 for the privilege of starting in the race.

Meanwhile, across the pond, on Sunday, July 3^rd, Toronto's Woodbine Racetrack hosts the Queen's Plate (10 fur.), the oldest continuously run race in North America, which was first contested in 1860. Unfortunately it is restricted to Canadian-breds which means that the best horses in North America are not necessarily in the line-up. This year, there are 13 in opposition – all of which were bred in Ontario, the same province that saw the birth many decades ago of Northern Dancer, Nijinsky and The Minstrel.

None of the 9 colts, 3 geldings or the lone filly engaged in 2016 appear to be anywhere remotely in the same class as that illustrious trio in respect of racing ability. Three of them are trained south of the border – the last of that ilk to hoist a winning flag here was Wild Desert, sent north by the late Bobby Frankel to capture the rich prize in 2005.

This year schooler Graham Motion (of Animal Kingdom fame) has targeted the race for his ward, Scholar Athlete (by Einstein), and secured the services of Jose Ortiz for the job. On the morning line (a pre-race "guesstimate" of the starting odds), this gelding is a 12 to 1 chance. Per Metro Vancouver, Motion was quoted as having said: "This is always a race I've followed, I've read about……..I think as trainers we all aspire to compete in these races".

Far better fancied is Josie Carroll's Amis Gizmo (by Giant Gizmo), who has taken home the prize on 5 of his 6 starts. As his sole loss came in his season-opener – when he might have been rusty after a 5 months absence – and as he has made amends since, it's clear that he is the one to beat on known form. The odds makers feel he will start at around 3 to 1, which is probably just right. The fact that leading rider Luis Contreras chose to ride him, when he had other options, is a pointer. As a result, Carroll's other runner, the 6 to 1 filly Gamble's Ghost (by Ghostzapper) will be steered by "super sub" Patrick Husbands. It may be recalled that Husbands inherited the mount on Wando in 2003 (when Todd Kabel chose stablemate Mobil) and guided him to a notable triumph in the Queen's Plate. Will lightning strike twice?

Boasting an elite pedigree, the Kentucky-conceived Leavem In Malibu (by Malibu Moon) is the nominal second choice at 7 to 2. From the barn of leading trainer Mark Casse – who did such a fine job with Tepin at Royal Ascot last month – the big-made but lightly-raced colt is making the jump from allowance company. He might prove to be good enough and is likely to start at 7 to 2. Veteran Gary Boulanger, who annexed this prize way back in 2001, will don silks on the youngster, who is still "wet behind the ears" but who exudes potential.

Amongst the most experienced trainers anywhere, Roger Attfield has had his name inscribed in the scroll of honour for the Queen's Plate on eight occasions, an outstanding feat. He is squarely taking aim at Win # 9 through the medium of Shakhimat (by Lonhro), who has won half his 6 starts, including a grand winning effort in the Transylvania Stakes on turf at Keeneland in April. Emma-Jayne Wilson has been contracted to pilot the 5 to 1 chance.

Mike Maker sends Sir Dudley Digges (by Gio Ponti) with Julien Leparoux, while Tom Proctor has opted for local talent astride Esposito (by Ghostzapper) in the shape of Alan Garcia. The last-named, who has a victory at Woodbine, broke his maiden at distant Del Mar last year.

Barring the half a dozen runners named above, the rest do not appear to possess the credentials for a million dollar race – although, with three-year-olds, you never know!