YORK'S Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes takes pride-of-place on the opening afternoon of a star-studded three-day Ebor Festival.

Seven world-class thoroughbred heavyweights are due to swagger round the Knavesmire seeking the £298,095 first prize, of which none make more appeal than the Derby hero, Authorized.

"I hope he's not remembered simply for being the horse to finally break Frankie's Derby hoodoo," said Authorized's trainer, Peter Chapple-Hyam, after his colt hacked up under Dettori at Epsom.

Chapple-Hyam's worries on that particular score became self-evident when Frankie and partner were subsequently beaten by Notnowcato in Sandown's Eclipse, a defeat connections are keen to avenge.

"I'm absolutely thrilled with his latest piece of work - as was Frankie. He felt Authorized was back in the same form as he was for the Derby," added Chapple-Hyam after a recent spin on the Newmarket gallops.

Aidan O'Brien's seemingly endless supply of middle-distance talent housed at his mighty Ballydoyle stronghold means he's sure to be in the thick of the action.

The Irish maestro has three in the Juddmonte, plus another four for the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes, a contest in which Mark Johnston also has two entered, Boscobel and Hearthstead Maison.

It's probably tilting at windmills to be of the mind that O'Brien isn't going to scoop either of the big races, but there's always the hope the money will be netted by one of the home-county horses.

The betting is likely to favour Royal Ascot winner Boscobel, however I've a sneaking suspicion that Johnston's second-string, Hearthstead Maison (2.35), could spring a surprise.

A big strapping son of Peintre Celebre, the Middleham-based three-year-old is certain to be ridden aggressively by Greg Fairley, who will doubtless ensure the field don't dawdle.

Greg's best-race scenario would be to try and break loose from the pack at around the five furlong pole, a tactic intended to set up an unassailable advantage over his eight opponents.

Twelve months ago Sergeant Cecil and Percussionist fought out the finish of the Lonsdale Cup, and even though the duo once again go head-to-head, both could fall victim to Anna Pavlova (2.00).

Richard Fahey's four-year-old filly receives a handy 3lbs mares' weight allowance, and revels in the prevailing easy ground which is essential to bring out top-dollar in the selection.

With no prior knowledge of any possible draw bias, making an objective suggestion for the closing five furlong 20-runner sprint is not an an easy task.

If you buy exclusively in strike-rates, Efistorm's (5.00) five wins, two seconds, plus four thirds from 31 career outings make impressive enough reading to warrant a decent each-way bet.