Star Studded Field Assured for Juddmonte International Stakes

The Juddmonte International Stakes is one of the big highlights of the prestigious Betfair York Ebor meeting set to take place this year between 17-20 August, and over the years has been won by some of the best horses ever to grace these shores, writes Elliot Slater.

Run over an extended 10 furlongs and pitching the cream of the three-year-old crop against proven top notch older performers, a glance back at some of the recent winners of the race gives an indication of the quality of horse required to land this historic Group 1 event. Last year Aidan O'Brien's hugely popular Rip Van Winkle appeared to have plenty to do approaching the final furlong, but Johnny Murtagh conjured a stunning run out of the Ballydoyle colt who got up close home to deny dual Champion Stakes winner Twice Over by half-a-length.

Twelve months earlier it had looked as though the 'International' might provide a massive shock as the Irish superstar Sea The Stars, (bidding for a fourth successive top level success of the season), looked briefly in trouble as Mastercraftsman quickened up approaching the distance. In the end John Oxx's majestic son of Cape Cross came through to score by a length under Mick Kinane before going on to land a six-timer with wins in the Irish Champion Stakes and then, most famously, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

This year's renewal again looks set to be a cracker with possible leading contenders including last year's Derby and 'Arc' winner Workforce, the outstanding former Australian star So You Think, Sir Henry Cecil's unbeaten start three-year-old Frankel, and Godolphin's Royal ascot star Rewilding, to name but a few of the high class entries for the much coveted prize. The York Ebor betting indicates it should be a fantastic race.

With the last four favourites having all prevailed in the contest, the stats suggest that following the market leader in the York spectacular might well prove the best policy.