Hollie Doyle blog: Constitution River can come of age in Juddmonte International showdown with Ombudsman

Ombudsman and Constitution River set to do battle in thrilling Juddmonte International on day one of York's Ebor Festival; Doyle cheering on husband Tom Marquand aboard Maltese Cross in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes

Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle runs the rule on day one of York's Ebor Festival on Wednesday, featuring the eagerly awaited clash between Ombudsman and Constitution River.

The remarkably versatile Ombudsman will be tough to deny in the £1.5m Juddmonte International Stakes (3.35), a stunning highlight on day one of the Ebor Festival at York on Wednesday.

John and Thady Gosden's five-year-old has added the Group 1 Dubai Turf in Meydan and the Prince of Wales' Stakes at Royal Ascot to his illustrious CV since taking this race in such spectacular style 12 months ago.

However, Aidan O'Brien's CONSTITUTION RIVER is something very special as he proved in the French Derby and the Coral-Eclipse and can come of age against his older rival in what promises to be an epic duel.

Two years younger and benefiting from that 7lb allowance, the son of Wootton Bassett hasn't yet reached his peak and is adaptable enough to lower the colours of Godolphin's superstar in what looks certain to be another tactical renewal.

Juddmonte's representative Item has proven his liking for this track with wins at Group 2 level in the Dante and the York Stakes but despite being only 2lb behind Constitution River on official ratings, needs to dig much deeper to usurp the main two.

MALTESE CROSS can stake his claim for the 250th running of the St Leger with a big performance in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (3.00) at York - a traditional trial for next month's final Classic.

My husband Tom (Marquand) is rightfully hopeful he can avenge his Derby defeat by Christmas Day in this 1m4f Group 2 after a hard-fought success in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris last month.

He'd have been an unlucky loser that day after overcoming all sorts of problems in running and should enjoy this galloping test on a sound surface on The Knavesmire before stepping up in trip at Doncaster.

Christmas Day couldn't repeat his Epsom heroics in the Irish Derby when his stablemate Pierre Bonnard finished only a neck behind him. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see that lovely colt emerge as the main Ballydoyle threat to Maltese Cross.

HAFFNER is the one they all have to beat in the Group 3 Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (2.25) at York despite finding one too good in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood.

Aidan O'Brien's colt, who had previously won a Newmarket maiden, emerged with plenty of credit behind the unbeaten Dr Rascal on the Downs and has much less to prove than his rivals over this 7f.

If he under-performs, Ed Walker's talented colt Alfred Wallace could be the one to take advantage. The son of top-class race mare Snow Lantern gained a deserved success in a Listed contest at Ascot last time and can find the necessary improvement to go well in this better grade.