Overview
- Race confirmations on Thursday produced a ten‑horse Juddmonte International field for Aug. 19 that includes Ombudsman, Constitution River, Item, Zaydann, Almaqam, Hawk Mountain, Pride Of Arras, Causeway, Action and Devil’s Advocate.
- Ombudsman is the even‑money favourite in early markets and heads to York off a four‑length defence of the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, while Constitution River is the 5‑4 market rival who benefits from a 7lb three‑year‑old allowance.
- Devil’s Advocate, trained alongside Ombudsman at Godolphin, is expected to act as a pacemaker and could set a strong early tempo to favour his stablemate’s finishing run.
- Andrew Balding’s Item remains in the field after a York Stakes win and is seen by his trainer as a credible contender, and several Ballydoyle entries (including Causeway, Hawk Mountain and Action) keep Aidan O’Brien well represented.
- Separately, Maltese Cross was confirmed for the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur but must carry a 5lb penalty for his Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris win, a levy trainer William Haggas called heavier than he expected and which could affect that race’s form.