Godolphin colt Hawkbill faces 12 rivals in one of the most important races of the season - and the one that last year produced one of the biggest G1 upsets in modern times when outsider Arabian Queen beat Derby winner Golden Horn.

But whereas Hawkbill's first G1 success came on Soft ground in Sandown's Coral-Eclipse, the Juddmonte is expected to be run on Good to Firm. Appleby is not over concerned.

"His pedigree and the way he has worked at home suggests he should be as effective on the firmer ground that is expected at York," he said of his Kitten's Joy colt.

"Overall, I have been pleased with his preparation for the Juddmonte. He has continued to do well at home since the Eclipse," he added.

The talking point will be whether Postponed can make a successful return to the racecourse following a minor setback that prevented him running in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last month.

Adding interest to discussions is the concern that Roger Varian's stable has been quiet of late.

Possibly, the Ballydoyle four-year-old Highland Reel and his stablemate Sir Isaac Newton, who ran very well in the King George, could be the biggest dangers to Hawkbill.

Hawkbill is one of two three-year-olds in the race - the other, Wings Of Desire, won the G2 Dante Stakes at York earlier in the year and is clearly on the improve.

On the first day of this four-day Festival, also watch out for Godolphin's recent purchase, the Hugo Palmer-trained Best Of Days, in the G3 Acomb Stakes. He won his first outing by six lengths at Sandown Park.

Palmer said: "The Acomb looks the most suitable race for him. He has done well at home since his win at Sandown, and he is a high class colt, who in time, will be more effective over one mile. I am really looking forward to running him again."