RACING/York preview: Battle-hardened Nayef and Falbrav can fight out the finish of the Juddmonte International at York today, with the former retaining his crown in what is certain to be a thrilling affair.
The pair finished down the field behind Alamshar in last month's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, with the latter coming home two lengths ahead of his rivals.
However, that was over a mile and a half and while both horses suffered from racing with give in the ground Nayef could just benefit more from the drop in trip that the 10 furlongs of today's Group One event brings.
Falbrav, of course, also holds a half-length verdict over Marcus Tregoning's charge in the Coral-Eclipse, although it must be pointed out the runner-up was done no favours when bumped two out as he was being wound up by Richard Hills.
And Nayef beat Falbrav seven and a half lengths in Royal Ascot's Prince Of Wales's Stakes when he was suited by the strong gallop which was set up by stablemate Ekraar.
Today's race will decide the British Horseracing Board's Middle Distance Championship with Nayef just two points ahead of his Luca Cumani-trained rival going into the final leg.
He can confirm his superiority here although supporters of both horses could do worse than have a reverse exacta on both it could be that close.
Boreas can give Cumani some compensation by repeating last year's success in the Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Stakes.
The Italian's Bedford House yard has struck form with a weekend treble and Boreas can confirm his well-being by beating the current darling of the track Persian Punch and Yorkshire's own St Leger hero Bollin Eric in the two-miles Group Three affair.
Stoute's compensation can come courtesy of the progressive Hawk Flyer in the Daily Telegraph Great Voltigeur Stakes.
Hawk Flyer, who did not see a racecourse until earlier this summer, was a strong-finishing half-length third to Phoenix Reach in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood last time.
Aidan O'Brien has not had much luck with his two-year-olds in Britain this season but the champion trainer can strike with unbeaten Celtic Cat in the Acomb Stakes.
Jeremy Noseda's Thirsk winner Bahamian Breeze merits an interest in the Royal & SunAlliance Eglinton Nursery, while the consistent Hambleden loves to hear his feet rattle and can defy the steadier of 10st in the Ladbroke Knavesmire Stakes.
