The normally quiet Southwell Racecourse was buzzing with excitement as City Of Troy, the Derby winner, made a public appearance on Friday. The superstar colt galloped a mile on the Tapeta at Southwell as part of his preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, a race that has eluded Aidan O’Brien, his trainer, throughout his illustrious career.
Hundreds of fans turned out to witness the gallop, eager to get a glimpse of a horse who has been dubbed the highest-rated turf horse in the world after his dominant performance in the Juddmonte International. The atmosphere was palpable, and the crowd cheered as City Of Troy powered clear of his workmates at the finish.
The gallop was a crucial step in City Of Troy's preparations for his first attempt on dirt. His sire, Justify, is the most recent winner of the US Triple Crown, and while he does not quite have the classic build of a dirt runner, he has shown a remarkable ability to quicken again even off a white-hot pace.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien was delighted with how his horse performed, highlighting the smooth bend navigation and impressive straight stretch. He was particularly pleased with Ryan Moore, City Of Troy's regular jockey, who was able to guide the horse through the workout with a masterful touch. O’Brien also acknowledged the unique atmosphere at Southwell, which he felt was a valuable experience for City Of Troy as he prepares for the high-pressure environment of the Breeders' Cup Classic.
The gallop was not without its critics, however, with some questioning the relevance of the Tapeta surface at Southwell to the dirt he will encounter at Del Mar. US racing guru Ron Wood pointed out that City Of Troy's lack of early pace could be a concern, as getting behind on dirt often requires horses to run through kickback or go wide to make up ground. However, Wood also noted a positive development in City Of Troy's straight stretch performance, indicating a potential improvement in his ability to handle the dirt.
With his first Breeders' Cup Classic participation set for November 2, City Of Troy is poised to make history. The anticipation for his performance is mounting, and O'Brien is confident that he has the right horse to finally break the curse of the Classic.
City Of Troy's Form Before Southwell
City Of Troy's recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. His victory in the Derby was followed by triumphs in the Eclipse Stakes and the International Stakes, solidifying his position as one of the world's top horses. He has proven his ability to handle different track conditions, a testament to his versatility and talent. The Southwell gallop was the final step in his preparation for the biggest race of his career, and it was a testament to his overall progress.
The Stakes Are High
The Breeders' Cup Classic is the pinnacle of horse racing, and it is a race that has eluded Aidan O’Brien for years. This year, however, he has a horse in City Of Troy who has all the potential to win it. If he can overcome the challenges of racing on dirt for the first time, he will be a formidable contender. The stakes are high, and the world will be watching to see if he can make history.
The Final Gallop: A Race for the Ages
As City Of Troy prepares for his big race, the anticipation is building. The Southwell gallop was a glimpse into the future, and it was a reminder of why this horse is so special. The Breeders' Cup Classic will be a race for the ages, and City Of Troy has the chance to etch his name in racing history. It is a race that will test his talents and his mettle, and it is one that will be remembered for years to come.
