Old protagonists do battle again

Percussionist and Sergeant Cecil, first and second in last year’s Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup, will cross swords again in this year’s renewal.

The pair, trained by Howard Johnson and Rod Millman respectively, were separated by three lengths last year and feature among a total of 10 declared for the one-mile-six-furlong contest.

Orcadian, who finished a further six lengths in arrears for trainer James Eustace in 2006, also reopposes this time.

“He’s in the Yorkshire Cup and he’ll run. It’s his first run on the Flat this season but he’s in very good form,” said Eustace.

The only withdrawal at the final declaration stage was John Dunlop’s Mount Kilimanjaro but the Arundel handler will still be represented by Munsef.

Rising Cross, second in last year’s Vodafone Oaks, has her first start of the season for John Best while Allegretto represents Sir Michael Stoute.

Geordieland, Bulwark, Kasthari and The Last Drop complete the field for the Group Two heat.