York's Ebor meeting gets under way today and the highlight of the opening day is the Knavesmire's richest race, the £370,000 Juddmonte International Stakes.
Sir Michael Stoute's Greek Dance, who recently returned to winning form with a vengeance in the Rose Of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock Park, appeals as the best bet in this prestigious Group One contest run over an extended 10 furlongs.
Ridden with supreme confidence by American jockey Gary Stevens last time, Greek Dance cruised up to the front-running Prolix three furlongs out before quickening a furlong and a half out.
The response was immediate and Stevens soon had him back on the bridle. Hard though he tried, Prolix was still two lengths down at the line.
Stevens switches to Henry Cecil's colt, leaving the way open for Cecil's former jockey, Kieren Fallon, to ride Greek Dance.
The son of Sadler's Wells injured his near-hind in last year's Vodafone Derby and has been only lightly-raced, therefore remains open to further improvement.
Well suited by give underfoot, Greek Dance will have conditions to his liking today and is made the nap selection to lift this valuable contest at the main expense of Royal Anthem. The 50th running of the Great Voltigeur Stakes is an acknowledged trial for the Rothmans Royals St Leger.
Six of the seven runners in this 12-furlong Group Two are entered in the final Classic - the exception being Fantastic Light - and it can pay to side with the progressive Elmutabaki, who can boost his claims for the Doncaster race with victory here.
The Barry Hills-trained colt has won his last two starts in good style.
The showcase handicap, the Ladbroke Knavesmire Stakes, can go to Irish raider She's Our Mare from Tony Martin's successful dual-purpose yard.
She's Our Mare gained her most important victory to date in the Crowther Homes Swinton Hurdle at Haydock Park in May, but has since run well on the Flat, including a third place behind Celestial Welcome in the Old Newton Cup on a return visit to the Merseyside track.
Last time out she was an unlucky-in-running fifth of 17 when favourite for a Listed handicap at Leopardstown a month ago.
She's Our Mare still looks favourably treated in today's race and with the invaluable assistance of Michael Kinane in the saddle she is taken to upset some better-fancied rivals.
