York hoping bulletproof Baaeed can bring the 'Frankel factor' to the Knavesmire

York is gearing up for an Ebor festival for the ages next month, with executives ready to welcome a galaxy of stars including the world's highest-rated horse Baaeed and legendary stayer Stradivarius.

Chief executive William Derby has been a keen follower of the action at Goodwood this week, when connections of Sussex Stakes scorer Baaeed confirmed their unbeaten champion will race beyond a mile for the first time in the £1 million Juddmonte International on August 17, while retirement is on hold for Stradivarius, who is on course for the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup two days later after going down swinging in Tuesday's Goodwood Cup.

York's four-day Ebor festival is no stranger to hosting the biggest names in the sport, with the likes of Sea The Stars, Frankel and Enable starring on the Knavesmire this millennium and Derby is confident stars of the magnitude of Baaeed and Stradivarius will prove a popular draw with spectators this year.