Nayef to hold off Falbrav

Battle-hardened Nayef and Falbrav can fight out the finish of the Juddmonte International at York today, with the former retaining his crown in what is certain to be a thrilling affair.

The pair finished down the field behind Alamshar in last month´s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, with the latter coming home two lengths ahead of his rivals.

However, that was over a mile and a half and while both horses suffered from racing with give in the ground Nayef could just benefit more from the drop in trip that the 10 furlongs of today´s Group One event brings.

Falbrav, of course, also holds a half-length verdict over Marcus Tregoning´s charge in the Coral-Eclipse, although it must be pointed out the runner-up was done no favours when bumped two out as he was being wound up by Richard Hills.

And Nayef beat Falbrav seven and a half lengths in Royal Ascot´s Prince Of Wales´s Stakes when he was suited by the strong gallop which was set up by stablemate Ekraar.

Today´s race will decide the British Horseracing Board´s Middle Distance Championship with Nayef just two points ahead of his Luca Cumani-trained rival going into the final leg.

He can confirm his superiority here although supporters of both horses could do worse than have a reverse exacta on both it could be that close.

Boreas can give Cumani some compensation by repeating last year´s success in the Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Stakes.

The Italian´s Bedford House yard has struck form with a weekend treble and Boreas can confirm his well-being by beating the current darling of the track Persian Punch and Yorkshire´s own St Leger hero Bollin Eric in the two-miles Group Three affair.

Stoute´s compensation can come courtesy of the progressive Hawk Flyer in the Daily Telegraph Great Voltigeur Stakes.

Hawk Flyer, who did not see a racecourse until earlier this summer, was a strong-finishing half-length third to Phoenix Reach in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood last time.

Aidan O´Brien has not had much luck with his two-year-olds in Britain this season but the champion trainer can strike with unbeaten Celtic Cat in the Acomb Stakes.

Jeremy Noseda´s Thirsk winner Bahamian Breeze merits an interest in the Royal & SunAlliance Eglinton Nursery, while the consistent Hambleden loves to hear his feet rattle and can defy the steadier of 10st in the Ladbroke Knavesmire Stakes.