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Sergeant Cecil

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Crowd favourite Sergeant Cecil will bid for a repeat victory in the Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup at York on Friday.

Rod Millman's popular nine-year-old landed the Group 2 event in thrilling style 12 months ago but was unable to show the same form in 2007, leaving him something to prove on Friday.

A disappointing reappearance run at Newbury was another indication that the veteran stayer is not the force of old, and the trainer has also stated the gelding will not be risked on very firm ground.

Last year's runner-up Geordieland is once again in opposition, while Newbury winner Royal and Regal is likely to be one of the market leaders for the contest over 1m 6f.

"He nearly won this race last year, but you could argue it's going to take a better performance to win it this year with Honolulu and Royal And Regal," said Geordieland's trainer Jamie Osborne. "They are potentially two horses who could be high-class stayers.

"We went to York last year on his third run. This year we're having a different policy with him. I intend that he'll go to Ascot for the Gold Cup as his second start.

"We couldn't be happier with him. He looks exceptionally well and his work has been very good."

Aidan O'Brien relies on last season's St Leger third Honolulu from his three entries while Samuel, who was ninth in the Doncaster Classic, represents John Dunlop.

Alfie Flits, Young Mick and Veenwouden complete the line-up.