The field for the Juddmonte International has been whittled down to a possible 16 a week out from one of the York Ebor meeting’s showpiece contests on Wednesday, 21st August 2024. It is the 53rd running of the race, first stages in 1972, and is run over 1m2f on the Knavesmire.
Brilliant Derby and Eclipse winner City Of Troy is the most significant name still to feature in prospective line-up. Aidan O’Brien’s charge has fully found his feet as a three-year-old, charging to Classic glory at Epsom then defeating his elders for the first time at Sandown. That form has duly been franked despite looking ordinary at the time, and Ballydoyle seem keen on coming here.
Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly will look to upset him over this shorter trip though. James Fanshawe’s charge narrowly failed to get home when only third in the Irish Derby next time out, but looks set to achieve his full potential at this distance. The French-trained Calandagan is another still in the field after his stunning display in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes, as is Eclipse third Ghostwriter among the younger generation.
Of the older brigade, two-time York Stakes winner Alflaila could line up back in Group 1 company again. He has fallen short at this level twice, but is unbeaten over course and distance, with three wins in four York starts in all. The filly, Bluestocking, has also won over track and trip and broke through for a top tier success in the Pretty Polly Stakes in Ireland earlier this term.
There is also still the possibility of a challenger from Japan in Durezza for Tomohito Ozeki. Cheval Grand was the last to attempt to win this for the nation when eighth, ironically, behind Japan in 2019.
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