Leading rider Damien Oliver has been called to the UK to ride Nicconi in the July Cup.

The David Hayes-trained colt made his UK debut in the Group 1 Kings Stand Stakes at Ascot last month where he finished a close-up fourth with Frankie Dettori aboard.

But Dettori has been booked to ride Denman in the July Cup paving the way for Oliver to pick up the international ride.

Oliver has ridden the colt three times, including his Lightning Stakes win at Flemington in January.

Hayes reported that Nicconi had improved since his Ascot run and following the July Cup is booked to come home with the Coolmore stallions on their flight in August so he can start stud duty at Widden as planned.

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