Yorkshire Oaks showdown on cards for Snowfall and Wonderful Tonight
Snowfall will lock horns with Wonderful Tonight as she aims to claim her third Oaks of the season in the Yorkshire version of the race at the Ebor Festival on Thursday.
Aidan O'Brien's Snowfall has improved out of all recognition this season for being stepped up in trip. She began her three-year-old campaign with a very impressive victory over 10 furlongs at York in the Musidora and has since won two Classics.
She will, however, face by far her toughest test to date in David Menuisier's popular four-year-old Wonderful Tonight - herself a dual Group One-winner last season.
Wonderful Tonight sets a high standard but she must concede a 9lb to Snowfall.
Menuisier had alternative options in France for Wonderful Tonight, but has decided to head for the Knavesmire.
Menuisier revealed a fortnight ago that he had booked leading French jockey Olivier Peslier to ride Wonderful Tonight in October's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, with William Buick - who has steered her to her last three victories - likely to be required to ride for Godolphin.
O'Brien also runs Irish Oaks runner-up Divinely and La Joconde.
John and Thady Gosden run their Ribblesdale winner Loving Dream and she will meet Roger Varian's Eshaada once again, who was second to her at Ascot.
Owner Kirsten Rausing runs the Ralph Beckett-trained Albaflora rather than Sir Mark Prescott's Alpinista, who was second to Love in the race last year.