A jam-packed Group One Juddmonte International Stakes (2,051m) field has Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) officials excited, with the blockbuster contest expected to receive plenty of interest from World Pool punters.

Epsom Derby hero City Of Troy is poised to face 12 rivals in the showpiece event of the first day of York’s Ebor meeting on Wednesday, with French galloper Calandagan his closest market rival and Japan’s Durezza adding further international interest to the race.

“Big fields and international runners certainly generate more appetite from a global betting perspective. The race will be of major interest to punters both locally in the UK and Ireland, who bet into the World Pool via the Tote, and internationally,” HKJC executive director of wagering products Michael Fitzsimons told the Racing Post.

“We’re expecting to see a big increase this year and possibly a record for the race given it’s by far the biggest field we’ve enjoyed since World Pool came into operation at York in 2021.”

A last-start winner of the Group One Coral-Eclipse (1,990m), City Of Troy will endeavour to become legendary Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien’s seventh International Stakes winner.

“We know he’s a horse like no other. He’s unique in his natural ability. He has unbelievable power, so strong when he gallops,” O’Brien said.

“He has speed and stamina but is very strong minded as well. That raw aggression is part of his make-up. We have to help him control that a little bit.

“After he won the Derby, [jockey] Ryan [Moore] said that City Of Troy was still showing his inexperience. We have been happy with him on the run up to York. We’re excited and looking forward to it.”

Plenty of talented horses will be doing their best to topple the favourite, among them Ambiente Friendly, Calandagan and Alflaila.

Ambiente Friendly finished a well-held second to City Of Troy at Epsom and was then a respectable third when favourite for the Group One Irish Derby (2,400m).

In both races the James Fanshawe-trained colt travelled well and looked dangerous until the final stages. His pedigree gives cause for optimism that he will benefit from the drop in trip.

“In the Derby he came there looking really strong and was outstayed by the winner. At the Curragh, having been going really well, he didn’t get home and the last furlong was a long way,” Fanshawe said.

“I can’t say he doesn’t stay a mile and a half, but he might be more effective over a mile and a quarter.”

The Jockey Club is simulcasting all seven races from York on Wednesday, with the first jumping at 8.50pm Hong Kong time.