All roads lead to York for the Ebor.

Byline: By Keith Hamer

All roads lead to York next week when the Knavesmire stages its biggest fixture of the year.

Yes, it is the Ebor meeting, the best Flat fixture held in the north of England in the calendar. That is, until York plays host to Royal Ascot in 2005.

With seven races on each day and prize money totalling almost pounds 2m, crowds are certain to flock to the Yorkshire capital for racing of the highest quality.

The opening day on Tuesday features the pounds 460,000 Juddmonte International Stakes. This Group One contest over an extended mile and a quarter always attracts the cream of the Classic generation as well as the best of the older horses.

This year's renewal is of extra significance as it is the last leg of the inaugural Middle Distance Championship.

Nayef would clinch the title should he take the International for the second year running, but he would need to reverse Coral-Eclipse form with Falbrav.

Wednesday's highlight is the Tote Ebor - for many, the race of the week. The James Given-trained Hugs Dancer will bid to become the first horse since Flint Jack 80 years ago to record back-to-back victories in the pounds 190,000 handicap.

Another going for a back-to-back success is Sir Michael Stoute's Islington in the Group One Aston Upthorpe Yorkshire Oaks.

A Wednesday card to savour also contains the Group Two Scottish Equitable Gimcrack Stakes for talented two-year-olds.

On Thursday speedsters take centre stage with the Group One Victor Chandler Nunthorpe Stakes.