City Of Troy is set for a rigorous test in a highly competitive field at York

City Of Troy will face 12 rivals in its quest for further Group One success at the Juddmonte International at York on Wednesday.

The Derby and Eclipse winner is set for a rigorous test in a highly competitive field on the Knavesmire.

Stablemate Hans Andersen will also represent Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle, but numerous other trainers are prepared to challenge the hot favourite.

Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly will drop down to 10 furlongs, while Clive Cox’s Ghostwriter will renew his rivalry with City Of Troy after finishing just two lengths behind the O’Brien-trained star at Sandown.

Francis-Henri Graffard’s impressive King Edward VII Stakes winner Calandagan heads the French challenge, with Jerome Reynier’s Zarakem also making the trip across the Channel.

Japanese St Leger winner Durezza will make his UK debut, and Bluestocking is the sole filly in the race, representing the sponsors.

Ralph Beckett’s Bluestocking has matured significantly as a four-year-old, having won the Middleton Stakes at York by six lengths, claimed her first Group One victory in the Pretty Polly, and then finished behind Goliath in the King George.

Owen Burrows’ Alflaila is a York specialist, having won the Strensall Stakes and the York Stakes twice at the course.

Maljoom, Israr, Docklands, and Royal Rhyme complete the line-up.

White Birch, who impressively defeated Auguste Rodin in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh, will not take part, with the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown now the likely target.

Ruling Court and The Lion In Winter, both ante-post favourites for next year’s Derby, will look to maintain their perfect records in the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes, which features a field of 11.