Fallon could hold the key as Saptapadi goes for the Ebor

The race itself won’t change either, with a maximum field of 20 all vying for top prize in the most valuable handicap in Europe.

Luca Cumani is the only trainer to have won the race more than once in the past 10 years, but he admits Bourne is likely to miss the cut this season, so the prize could stay in Yorkshire, with Brian Ellison hopeful for Saptapadi.

The Norton handler, who has pencilled in Kieren Fallon for the ride, said: “Kieren’s been chasing me since York (fifth in the York Stakes) to ride him.

“Obviously he stays further but a mile and a quarter doesn’t faze him. He’s in cracking form and I couldn’t be happier with him.”

The Juddmonte International is the feature race of day one and has seen some spectacular winners in recent years, including the incredible Sea The Stars’ record-breaking run on the Knavesmire in 2009.

This year’s renewal has been dogged by fears that it would not live up to the high standards usually set, but Henry Cecil’s decision to take on Aidan O’Brien’s Hardwicke Stakes winner Await The Dawn with Twice Over and Midday is sure to get pulses racing.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Twice over and Midday’s owner Khalid Abdullah, said: “Midday will be left in the Yorkshire Oaks but she is an intended runner in the Juddmonte. The plan would be to run her and Twice Over in the race. Tom Queally will probably ride Midday and Ian Mongan would then be on Twice Over. That is not confirmed yet but it’s the likely scenario.”

The Great Voltigeur Stakes is traditionally a strong trial for the St Leger and provides ample support to the International.

Godolphin landed this prize with the Mahmood Al Zarooni trained Rewilding, and the boys in blue have Al Zarooni’s Genius Beast, who is set to be joined by Saeed bin Suroor’s Hunter’s Light, who was supplemented for the Group Two.

Owner Khalid Abdullah may hold the strongest claims in the mile and a half contest, as he has Sea Moon, a good winner on Knavesmire for Sir Michael Stoute this term.

Although Midday takes on the boy’s in Wednesday’s Group One, Thursday’s Yorkshire Oaks still looks a potential barnstormer with Snow Fairy and Blue Bunting set to clash. Cecil also thinks he still has a chance, as he is likely to saddle Vita Nova in the Group One on Ladies’ Day.

The master of Warren Place said: “Vita Nova was unlucky not to win the Lancashire Oaks when her saddle slipped round.

“She is earmarked for the Yorkshire Oaks.”

Friday’s big race is the Nunthorpe Stakes, where the cream of Europe’s sprinters try to land the five furlong Group One.

Mick Easterby will hold Yorkshire’s hopes after connections of Hoof It opted to stump up the £20,000 supplementary entry fee.