York, a meeting to saviour. Large crowds who know and love their racing are treated to an August fair. The International is one of the top 10f race in the world on turf and the winner usually merits the term “best in class” at the distance. It’s inaugural running in 1970 saw the one and only defeat of Brigadier Gerard at the hands of that years Derby winner Roberto. No wonder it boasts the prestige it does. This years contest is dominated by Aidan O’Brien and Henry Cecil with only Jo Hughes opposing the pair. Aidan sends the pacemaker in Windsor Palace to set it up for Await The Dawn. He is supported by Roderic O’Connor. Henry sends Midday and Twice Over to overcome the Irish challenge.

Midday overcame the set back at the Curragh with a comprehensive defeat of Snow Fairy in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood. Her running behind Misty For Me was an aberration on her form unlikely to be repeated. She is again asked to take on the colts where she yet to be successful. St Nicholas Abbey saw her off the Coronation Cup when she looked to have the upper hand two out only to be out stayed. She has proven when meeting her own sex formidable at this distance and also over a mile and a half. Her three wins over 10f have been in the Nassau and she has to prove it’s just not the Goodwood track that sets her alight.

Twice Over is a confidence horse and Henry has for the second time had to build this colt’s fragility. It’s worked before in 2009 when two minor events were used prior to winning the Champion Stakes. Henry didn’t have to go that far back this time but the York Stakes win certainly did the job after the Meyden, Newbury and Ascot defeats.

Await The Dawn is a strong favourite here with a race record of five from six. He’s yet to score at top-level and this is really his first big test. The patience of Ballydoyle is all in this horse and reward may not be too far away. In the Harwicke it was easy giving the impression of more to come.

Roderic O’Connor on the other hand is a colt of fiery ability, capable of giant strides. Maturity as in Await The Dawn will be key. However this trip on a fast surface may forward adolescence and the drop in trip from a mile and half for the son of Galileo looks perfect.

Expect a big run from the west of Ireland. Having spent the day looking at what inspired the artist, one can expect French impression will win out on the Yorkshire Dales. Roderick O’Connor to be best in class.