Racing: Aussies look on target

Australian stars Scenic Blast and Takeover Target completed their preparations for next Friday's Group One July Cup when pleasing connections in a workout on the July course in Newmarket.

The pair had worked on the track a week earlier and the exercise spin yesterday was along similar lines as Takeover Target took them along at a steady pace under Jay Ford before quickening up in the final 400m.

There was once again little between them as they flashed past the winning post but looked as if it was trainer Danny Morton on Scenic Blast who had the gears to go for as the 6-4 favourite for the 1200m contest prepares to add to his victory in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.

"He felt great and they were going a bit quicker than last time so he was concentrating a bit more," Morton told the Racing Post.

"My bloke's pretty laid back and he's shaping as if he's improved since Ascot - there are no excuses now."

Trainer Joe Janiak was delighted with Takeover Target who missed the Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot, as the crack sprinters prepare to meet each other in public for the first time.

- AAP