City Of Troy valiantly overcame the challenging track conditions at Sandown and emerged victorious in the Coral-Eclipse. Derby champion, Ryan Moore, who managed to recover at Epsom following an unsuccessful run in the 2,000 Guineas, favoured the upcoming star. He discreetely followed his team member, Hans Andersen. Nonetheless, when asked to accelerate, he didn’t show the expected speed. Despite that, he secured the top position and managed to resist a last-ditch effort from Al Riffa, an 11 to 1 outsider, winning by one length. Ghostwriter concluded third, trailing five and a half lengths behind.
The trainer, Aidan O’Brien, confessed to feeling uneasy during this performance due to the unfavourable ground conditions at Esher. “We inspected the track earlier. The terrain was undeniably rough; it was softer and deeper than in the Dewhurst,” he stated. Today’s conditions pushed us further into unexplored arenas, he added. He noted that the distinction between winning and losing could be astronomical and extended his delight for everyone involved.
Being honest, he mentioned how different the scenario could have been 15 years back, when they might have exited, instead of proceeding with the race. However, he articulated his gratitude for their current love of racing which prompted them to partake.
“The decision resulted from a prolonged discussion. It was discomforting, but the team made the appropriate choice,” O’Brien expressed. Despite the challenging conditions, he believed City Of Troy’s victory was significant.
The trainer commented, “He’s excellent on a solid ground and has triumphed in spite of the soft soil. It would have been a reasonable choice to withdraw, but everyone showed up, eager to participate. The unsettling terrain made things complicated and it didn’t correspond with our original strategy.
“In the end, he performed rather well. Dylan [Browne McMonagle, on Al Riffa] thought at first that he had him but then he found momentum again. Although it seemed like a close call, we were continually on the defensive,” he ruminated.
For the Juddmonte International and the Breeders’ Cup Classic, the odds for City Of Troy have remained unchanged as per Paddy Power and Betfair. However, William Hill has adjusted his odds from 6-4 to 2-1 for the former race, and from 6-1 to 8-1 for the latter.
When questioned about future intentions, O’Brien remained uncertain. However, he speculated that they might explore the possibility of the Juddmonte International Stakes at York or the Irish Champion Stakes.
O’Brien also hinted at considering America thereafter, stating that City of Troy’s conditions were favourable for good ground or better. He expressed the likelihood of him ending his journey in the USA, alluding to the fact that his lineage included a dirt horse.
Moore showed frankness in conceding that he had anticipated a more commanding win. He agreed with O’Brien’s evaluation that the condition of the track contributed to the performance.
Moore confessed that despite expectations of a strong win, he found the terrain challenging and somewhat detrimental to City of Troy’s performance. However, despite encountering problems navigating the loose ground and adjusting to the competing Ghostwriter’s speed, Moore expressed confidence in City Of Troy, who rallied to secure the victory.
Moore reflected on the day with mixed feelings, pleased with the win, but believing more potential remains untapped. He suggested that the terrain and conditions foiled the opportunity for City Of Troy to win by a wider margin. With conditions more suited to his racing capabilities, Moore believes he’ll perform far better in future races with a higher pace.
Moore also expressed uncertainty about the Breeders’ Cup Classic, stating that he hadn’t had any previous experience with a horse competing in the event. He admitted that although City Of Troy boasts impressive power and skill, they needed to ascertain whether his action would be suitable for the event.