Acomb Stakes and Great Voltigeur Stakes precede headline act on Wednesday at York

The Juddmonte International undoubtedly takes centre stage at York on the opening day of the Ebor meeting, but the two group contests prior to the race serve as an excellent tonic.

11 were declared for the Acomb Stakes, a race that’s recently thrown up clues for the following year’s 2000 Guineas.

Aidan O’Brien has declared two, including Justify colt Haffner. He was narrowly denied at Goodwood in the Vintage Stakes last time out, following his Newmarket Maiden win. Confucius has disappointed since his Naas success, and O’Brien will be hoping this step up in trip will suit.

Trean won the same Galway maiden Constitution River did last time out, and he looks a smart prospect. 

Alfred Wallace took the Listed Pat Eddery Stakes last time out and looks a nice type going forward.

Andrew Balding has won this with Gewan and Chaldean of late, and sends Gentle Hurricane. Karl Burke is yet to add the Acomb Stakes to his CV. He bids to amend that with Beverley winner Vega King.

Stardom Glory was second to a subsequent Group 2 winner over six furlongs here prior to his Chester success. That form is strong, and he’s bred to step up to this trip.

Fuel The Jet was behind Alfred Wallace on debut, before getting off the mark at Newbury. The Space Blues colt is well bred, from the family of Master Of The Seas and Tornado Alert.

Big Cigar won a nursery here in July, but failed to land a blow in the Richmond. Siouxperb was disappointing in the Coventry Stakes, but somewhat got back on track when second at Newcastle.

Clash Of Hearts completes the field, a half brother to the yards 2024 Gimcrack third Symbol Of Strength.

Acomb Stakes Runners

Maltese Cross heads six in the Great Voltigeur

The Great Voltigeur looks a fascinating renewal this season, featuring the Epsom Derby first and second.

Maltese Cross took his form figures to 211121 when landing the Grand Prix de Paris last time out. Entered in the St Leger and the Arc, connections have not ruled out running in the pair.

Pierre Bonnard is 0-4 since his Criterium success last season, but ran a career best when third in the Irish Derby last time out. He failed to reverse the form with Christmas Day there, who matched his Derby success on RPR’s. Christmas Day was beaten in the Dante here, but arguably unsuited by his track position.

Superior Choice brings a different profile to that trio, arriving on the back of a hat trick. His latest success saw him win eased down at Hamilton, a race won by Kalpana in 2024.

Galiyan got back on track when second to Point Of Law at Newmarket, but the suspicion is he’ll fall short at this level.

Antigua has next to no chance on the figures, and is likely going to ensure a strong pace for his stablemates.

Great Voltigeur Stakes Runners