Sea The Stars set for Ebor opener

Sea The Stars, ridden by Mick Kinane, won this year's Derby

Since the 1970s great Brigadier Gerard suffered his only ever defeat in what is now the Juddmonte International Stakes, life has not always been easy for the big names contesting York’s £600,000 first-day feature (1525 BST).

Two examples: 25 years ago, the soon to be legendary stallion Sadlers Wells was well-beaten, while in 1997 the brilliant filly Bosra Sham had her colours dramatically lowered.

And three opponents, all from the Aidan O'Brien stable and headed by Irish 2000 Guineas winner Mastercraftsman, will try to ensure that dual Classic hero Sea The Stars does not have everything his own way in this year's renewal.

However, the John Oxx-trained favourite, successful in the Newmarket 2000 Guineas and the Epsom Derby, and subsequently the Eclipse Stakes, travels to York from Ireland bursting with form credentials.

Mastercraftsman, his only rival in the betting market after Tartan Bearer was ruled out on Monday after being found lame, has around four lengths to make up on him, having finished fifth in the Newmarket Guineas.

In contrast to last year when the whole Ebor fixture was lost to heavy rain, prevailing fine weather has provided good to firm going which suits Sea The Stars well.

His clash with Mastercraftsman is the first of what should be a series of quality races at the four-day meeting, which is traditionally known as the Royal Ascot of the North.