Kayf Tara will face seven rivals when he makes his seasonal debut in the Merewood Homes Yorkshire Cup tomorrow.
Godolphin's dual Irish St Leger winner, the mount of Frankie Dettori, has not raced since being withdrawn from last November's Foster's Melbourne Cup with an inflamed suspensory ligament.
He must get the better of York specialist Celeric whose six victories at the Knavesmire include this race in 1997.
Persian Punch, who finished four lengths ahead of Celeric when second in the Bovis Homes Sagaro Stakes at Ascot last time, will attempt to improve on his fifth place in this Group Two contest last year.
He must also reverse form with last season's first and second Churlish Charm and Largesse.
There were two withdrawals at the overnight stage, Arctic Owl and Kayf Tara's stablemate Sea Wave.
The other Group race on the York card is the Duke Of York Victor Chandler Stakes for which 10 horses have been declared.
The Tim Easterby-trained Pipalong will be attempting to complete a hat-trick in the Group Three prize having scored in a conditions event at Thirsk and the Victor Chandler Palace House Stakes at Newmarket.
Her rivals include Godolphin's Lend A Hand, who finished fourth in the Breeders' Cup Mile at Gulfstream Park on his final start last season.
There may be some Vodafone Derby clues on offer in the Michael Seely Memorial Glasgow Stakes.
The Henry Cceil-trained Sandmason, who finished second to stablemate Beat Hollow in the Green Ridge Stables Newmarket Stakes last time, takes on the unbeaten Fast Track and four other rivals in the Listed contest.
