But do not hold that against the son of Red Ransom as he ran with great credit 12 months ago to finish sixth, just a length behind the winner Hugs Dancer.

He is reported by connections to be more forward this time round and the 20-1 currently available with Ladbrokes represents great each-way value in a typically wide-open renewal of Europe’s richest handicap.

Contraband, who is on 8st 7lb, has not been seen on a racecourse since winning over a mile and half on the Knavesmire last October.

He could be joined in the line-up by the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Distinction, who is in the same ownership.

“We have got Contraband and Distinction entered for the race,” said Tim Jones, spokesman for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.

“Contraband is on course to make his seasonal debut in the Ebor, like he did last year, and he’s further forward now than he was at this time last year.

“We’ve already secured the services of Johnny Murtagh, providing the weights go up by at least 3lb.”

Jones added: “I have to clarify the situation with regard to Distinction with Sir Michael, but he looks right for the race.”

And punters certainly agree as Distinction has recently proved popular in the ante-post market, with Coral cutting the Danehill gelding to 14-1 from 20s following heavy support.

Distinction will be dropping back to 14 furlongs after appearing not to stay two miles when fourth behind Mana d’Argent at Ascot last time and if allowed to take his chance will be a threat to all.

Sun Bird could also prove to be a lively outsider – if he gets a run.

Dick Allan’s stable star produced a telling turn of foot to score over two and a quarter miles at Chester earlier this month and should not be left out of calculations.

After the success, Allan said: “We are keeping our fingers crossed that he gets in because we want to run him at York now.

“The drop back to a mile and three-quarters won’t bother him. All he wants is a strong gallop. He did not get one at Chester, but he has still gone and won well.”

Waverley, who gave Hughie Morrison a first Royal Ascot success in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes, is to be aimed at the valuable York contest and looks a very interesting contender.

“I have always looked upon the race as his big target,” Morrison said. “It’s the most valuable handicap run and is made for the horse.

“He likes York and has not disappointed me in any of his runs this year.”

Waverley will be trying the Ebor trip for the first time but he has improved for being stepped up to a mile and a half so an extra two furlongs should be within his compass.

However, his consistent efforts this year could prove costly as the handicapper may have his measure by now.

Another who appears to have incurred the wrath of the official assessor is the remarkable Hugs Dancer.

The James Given-trained six-year-old has won eight times from 11 to 21 furlongs, including a famous victory in this race last year.

But having scored off a mark of 98 at York last month the handicapper has raised him a further 8lb, which looks to have scuppered his chances of an Ebor repeat.

Given has confirmed that Hugs Dancer is set to run next in the York race.

The six-year-old won the Listed Webster’s Silver Cup Rated Stakes on the Knavesmire to set himself up for a tilt at a second Ebor win.

But the Lincolnshire trainer is under no illusions about the task facing his versatile performer.

He said: “He’s got to go back and see if he can have another crack at the Ebor, but it’s going to be very difficult after his latest win.

“I think the handicapper is probably going to take the view that he’s not really been able to get him up to date, but after that performance he probably will, which is going to make life very difficult for him in handicap company.”

Mamcazma and Bourgeois, second and third respectively behind Hugs Dancer last time, could renew rivalry on the Knavesmire.

The latter could be worth an investment priced at around 20-1.

Tim Easterby’s charge was putting a disappointing effort in the Northumberland Plate behind him when third to Hugs Dancer and further improvement can be expected a week on Wednesday.

With so many doubts surrounding the participation of several of the market leaders in the ante-post betting it could pay to side with Contraband, who gets the vote ahead of Distinction and Bourgeois.