free bonus option, page-2

abc1700
Now don't take my comment for gospel on this and someone may be able to correct me if I am wrong.

In my opinion I think you need to have at least 4 trading days before the Record date to allow for transactions to be recorded and pass through the system.

18 July is the Friday so theoretically I think you could buy share on the Monday 14 July and hope that the tarnsaction is processed in time fro the record date on the Friday.
To be on the safe side I would purchase back on Friday 11th July to allow time for the processing.

So far as selling after the record date. I think you would be able to sell onMonday 21 July as you were the recorded holder on that Friday 18th and the head shares would have gone ex the Options entitlement about 4 days before the record date.
That is why it is important to buy at least 4 days before record date. Otherwise you miss out on the Options