City Of Troy set to face Japanese opponent at York in Juddmonte International

York's chief executive William Derby is fascinated to see how last year’s Japanese St Leger winner Durezza fares against City Of Troy in what promises to be a mouthwatering renewal of the Juddmonte International.

With Aidan O’Brien leaning towards keeping the Derby and Eclipse winner at 10 furlongs, the richest race on the Knavesmire is City Of Troy’s likely port of call on 21 August.

But a fascinating new opponent has emerged in the shape of Durezza, who will be ridden by Christophe Lemaire.

"We’re obviously delighted to hear the news from Ballydoyle that City Of Troy is likely to run in the Juddmonte International – obviously there’s a long way to go with horses, but to have Europe’s highest-rated three-year-old being aimed at our flagship race is great," said Derby.

"We have a record prize fund this year of £1.2million and it’s hugely exciting, it’s looking like an absolute cracker.

"City Of Troy has that mercurial potential to join the likes of Sea The Stars and Frankel, two of the great winners of the race. We all saw what he did in the Betfred Derby, he obviously wasn’t on a going day in the Guineas, but he won the Eclipse like Sea The Stars did ahead of coming to the Knavesmire and it will be fascinating to see how he performs if he comes.

"It has also been confirmed this morning that Durezza, who won the Japanese St Leger last year, is heading our way with Christophe Lemaire due to ride him, so to have the best two jockeys in the world in Christophe and Ryan Moore taking each other on is something very exciting for us and all race fans."

Derby has been at the helm at York for over 20 years now, and has seen some great renewals of the race.

"My first Juddmonte was 2003, Falbrav won it and then in 2005 Electrocutionist