TWILIGHT SON heads a 12-strong field for the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes tomorrow as the new season at York Racecourse gets under way in enthralling style.

The three-day Dante Festival gallops to life on Knavesmire with a fantastic seven-race card – with the Group 2 Duke of York among the highlights.

Henry Candy's Twilight won his first five starts, including the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock, before chasing home Muhaarar on Champions Day at Ascot.

However, he must concede 5lb to each of his rivals as he makes his seasonal reappearance.

The Charlie Hill-trained Magical Memory was just three-quarters of a length behind Twilight Son in the Sprint Cup and has the benefit of match practice, having made a successful return in last month's Abernant Stakes at Newmarket.

Michael Appleby's Danzeno has long threatened to win a major prize, while Mattmu is a major contender for Habton Grange-based Tim Easterby after a fine run to finish third in the Abernant.

Irish challengers Dick Whittington (Aidan O'Brien) and Moviesta (Edward Lynam) also feature in a fascinating contest.

Candy feels his four-year-old may need sharpen up for this first run of the campaign.

He said: "He has done very, very well through the winter – probably too well.

"He might need his first run and giving 5lb to some of these, I would think might prove too much for him. But he is in need of a run and loves York, so it's a great place to start.

"He doesn't show a lot in his work, he is quite lazy. But I think once he has got a race under his belt and he's back on level terms and not giving weight away, hopefully we will have some fun.

"He is one who does like to get his toe in a little bit, so I would prefer a bit of give in the ground."