Sheikh Hamdan's colt won on his seasonal reappearance at Newbury where he tackled a mile and a quarter for the first time.

He galloped strongly to the line that day and Roger believes that York's long galloping straight will suit. the son of Invincible Spirit.

Roger said: "I have been very pleased with him since his win at Newbury and his work has been solid. I think he has improved.

"He deserves his place in the line up and I'm hopeful of a big run."

Ektihaam faces six rivals, including Derby second-favourite Bonfire and the highly-regarded maiden winner, Ernest Hemingway.

Also on the Knavesmire, Steps lines up in the opening five furlong handicap. The Verglas colt was third on his seasonal bow at Goodwood and will be suited by the big field.

Roger added: "He ran well at Goodwood and will have come on for that. He is a tough and geniune sprinter who is suited by big fields and soft ground. However, he is not ideally drawn in stall one."