John Oxx and Sea The Stars will be delighted to hear that York clerk of the course, William Derby, has reported the ground to be on the quick side ahead of the first day of the Ebor meeting.

The opening day of the festival will see the dual-Classic winner and Irish 2000 Guineas and St James’ Palace Stakes winner, Mastercraftsman, do battle on the Knavesmire.

It is Sea The Stars who will be no doubt benefit from having his favoured fast going and Derby explained:  "We're currently good to firm. It is 8.6 on the Goingstick and we just had one millimetre of rain at 4am today,

"It's forecast to largely dry today, tomorrow and Wednesday with temperatures of around 19 degrees tomorrow and 22 on Wednesday.

"There's no rain forecast for the next few days but there is a band that could move in on Thursday."

The International is the feature event on the opening day, but there is plenty to more to look forward to during the week with the totesport Ebor on Wednesday, the Darley Yorkshire Oaks on Thursday and Friday's Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes.

"We're obviously very excited about the week ahead and the prospect of the highest-rated horse in the world (Sea The Stars) running here at our flagship meeting," continued Derby.

"Sea The Stars running tomorrow is a highlight but it's great to see Mastercraftsman, a multiple Group One winner himself, in there as well.

"Sariska on Thursday would be another highlight as she is due to take on the older fillies, including Dar Re Mi who won a Group One last time out."

All the action will be available to watch live with leading Irish bookmaker, Paddy Power.