Approach and Marmalade declared as York turns heavy

Vodafone Derby hero New Approach has been given the go-ahead to clash with Duke Of Marmalade in the Juddmonte International at York, for which 11 horses have been declared at the 48 hour stage this morning.

The Galileo colt has not been seen in racecourse action since his Epsom triumph after soreness related to a muscle injury ruled him out of a double bid in the Irish Derby.

However, following a successful workout on Friday, trainer Jim Bolger confirmed he will take his chance in the Group One contest on the Knavesmire next Tuesday.

'I have spoken to the owners and we have decided he will run,' said Bolger.

'He worked well on Friday so he will go to York and I think the ground there will be fine for him.'

Opposition to the 'big two' is strong. Henry Cecil is double-handed with Multidimensional and Phoenix Tower, who represents the sponsors, as the former champion trainer goes for his third success in a race he first won in 1976 with Wollow.

John Gosden has declared Pipedreamer, a recent course and distance winner, but warned he will only run if the ground is suitable.

Sir Michael Stoute will saddle both Linngari and Rob Roy, while Mick Channon also has two runners in Championship Point and Halicarnassus.

David Elsworth's Stubbs Art, third in both the English and Irish Guineas, and Duke Of Marmalade's stable companion Red Rock Canyon complete the entry for a mouth-watering contest.

York clerk of the course William Derby reports conditions to be heavy ahead of the four-day Ebor meeting this week.

The fixture, which features a host of top-class events such as the Juddmonte International and totesport Ebor, kicks off on Tuesday and substantial rain has seen the ground turn testing.

Derby said, 'We are now heavy after 25 millimetres of rain overnight. The forecast was for it to stop on Sunday morning and it is stopping now, with dry weather through the day before a band of light showers moves in later tonight.'