Ulysses and Barney Roy face Juddmonte showdown at York

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Ulysses edged out Richard Hannon’s three-year-old colt by a nose in Sandown’s 10-furlong showpiece and connections have confirmed both horses will head to the Knavesmire where the opposition in the £1m race – won by Frankel five years ago – could include dual Guineas winner Churchill.

Ulysses will be dropping back in trip after finishing second to Enable in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on his latest start.

Alan Cooper, racing manager for owners the Niarchos family, said: “Michael said on Monday he worked very nicely in the morning and the plan, all being well, is to go for the Juddmonte. The long-term objective this year is the Breeders’ Cup Turf again.”

With Ryan Moore committed to riding Churchill due to his retainer with owner-breeders Coolmore, champion jockey Jim Crowley is poised to keep the ride on Ulysses – the Eclipse win was one of the biggest of a career which began with Sue and Harvey Smith on Baildon Moor.

Barney Roy, the mount of James Doyle, is reported in top shape ahead of a rematch with his Sandown conqueror. “I’m very happy with him and we’re all set for York,” said the aforementioned Hannon.

“It was a fantastic run in the Eclipse. It proved that he gets the trip and that he’s tough. Hopefully he can go to York and make amends.”

In other Ebor festival news, Invincible Army is primed for the Gimcrack Stakes on Saturday week.

James Tate’s youngster was sent off favourite for the Molecomb at Goodwood but came off second best behind Karl Burke’s speedy Havana Grey.

Invincible Army will now step back up to six furlongs, but Tate feels a sounder surface is of more importance.

“I don’t think he liked the ground, but he went through it because he’s game,” said the Harrogate-born handler who is based in Newmarket.

“He was on the wrong side of the track and had nothing to race with, so I think we’ll go back up to six furlongs on nice ground hopefully. He’s in everything, but in all likelihood he’ll go for the Gimcrack next.”

Beverley Bullet would be one of the most appropriately-named winners on the Westwood for many years when he goes for gold on Ladies’ Day today at the East Yorkshire track.

Named in homage to the renowned Listed sprint, this year staged at Beverley on September 2, the four-year-old gelding is trained in North Yorkshire by Lawrence Mullaney who beleives his charge is in super order for the mile-and-a-quarter Flemingate Beverley Handicap. The Great Habton-based handler said: “It’s a big day for Beverley Bullet – and also a big day for us.

“Ladies’ Day is the most important afternoon of the season at Beverley, and his owners (Jean Stapleton and Rob Wilson) love having runners there. I do, too, so we’re very much looking forward to it. Beverley Bullet is in great form and we are expecting a big run from him.”

The son of Makfi has been a revelation for Mullaney since his transfer from Les Eyre’s stables in April. He has only once finished out of the frame in seven starts this season and has claimed two victories, at Carlisle in June and at Pontefract on his last outing on July 30.