No rain, no Cracksman for Juddmonte International at York

– One of the stars of the Ebor meeting will be missing after Cracksman was not declared for the Juddmonte International at York tomorrow.

Cracksman's owner Anthony Oppenheimer warned this month the John Gosden-trained threetime Group 1 winner would need cut in the ground to line up and the rain has not materialised.

A high-quality field of eight is set to battle it out in the £1 million Group 1 contest and Gosden still holds a strong hand with Roaring Lion and Without Parole, the mount of Frankie Dettori.

Poet's Word and Saxon Warrior are joined by Godolphin pair Benbatl and Thunder Snow, while Irish Derby winner Latrobe and Thundering Blue, who was added to the race at a cost of £75,000, complete the field.

The ground at York was described as good to firm, good in places yesterday morning.

James Doyle believes King George hero Poet's Word deserves his place as the 7-4 market-leader for a race that forms part of the middle-distance category of the Qipco British Champions Series.

"He's a worthy favourite coming off the back of successive Group 1 wins in tough races and, as you can imagine, I'm excited about riding him in the top race of the week," he said.

"He's as tough a horse as I've ever ridden – he doesn't shirk the issue. He really put his head and neck down in the King George and stretched all the way to the line. He was very brave."

Regarding the impact of the Ascot win, Doyle said: "It shouldn't affect him. I don't think he lost much weight and all the vibes are very positive. He's a big, robust horse who is blossoming. He's different class to ride – relaxes well and is push-button. He does whatever you ask.”

Juddmonte International betting: 7-4 Poet's Word; 5-2 Roaring Lion; 5-1 Saxon Warrior; 10-1 Benbatl; 12-1 Without Parole, Latrobe; 14-1 Thunder Snow; 25-1 Thundering Blue. – Racingpost.com