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City Of Troy will take on twelve rivals after declarations were confirmed for the Group 1 Juddmonte International at York on Wednesday.
Aidan O'Brien's stable star will bid to make it a third successive top-level success and is a 10/11 chance with Paddy Power to back up his wins in the Epsom Derby and Coral Eclipse Stakes. The son of Justify has bounced back from his 2000 Guineas flop in fine style recently and will be one of two runners for team Ballydoyle, who also declared Hans Andersen.
The James Fanshawe-trained Ambiente Friendly will attempt to reverse placings with his Epsom Derby conqueror City Of Troy. Rab Havlin, who controversially gained the ride leading up to the Derby, retains his partnership after the pair were last seen finishing third behind Los Angeles in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh in late June.
Shadwell will be doubly represented in the mouthwatering Group 1 contest, with the Owen Burrows -trained recent course and distance winner Alfaila being joined by John and Thady Gosden's Israr. The former landed the Sky Bet Stakes at York last month and will be partnered by Shadwell's retained rider Jim Crowley.
Ralph Beckett has allowed Bluestocking to take her chance, with this year's Pretty Polly Stakes heroine looking to go one better than when runner-up to Goliath in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last time. The Juddmonte-owned four-year-old filly did have the option of contesting the Yorkshire Oaks on Thursday.
There is a strong international representation in the ten-furlong Group 1 prize, with France responsible for two of the thirteen declarations. Francis Graffard's Calandagan, who was oh-so impressive in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, will attempt to complete the four-timer as he steps up to Group 1 level for the first time. The Jerome Reynier -trained Zarakem will make his second start in the UK after chasing home Auguste Rodin in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The Group 1 Japanese St Leger winner Durezza adds further international spice. Trained by Tomohito Ozeki, the Northern Farm-bred four-year-old will be partnered by the Japanese-based French-born rider Christophe Lemaire.
Clive Cox's Ghostwriter, who finished two places behind the market leader City Of Troy when third in the Coral Eclipse at Sandown, will be joined by William Haggas' talented Maljoom. Harry Eustaces' Australian-bound Docklands and the Karl Burke -trained Royal Rhyme complete the stellar cast of thirteen.