The Juddmonte International in York is not merely a one-horse race. A significant number of competitors are itching for the chance to tackle City Of Troy, even though he’s the one to watch on Wednesday. With a participant count of 13, never seen before in this illustrious event, which has been graced by some of the most exceptional horses in the sport’s history. Ever since 1972, when Roberto surprised the faltering Brigadier Gerard, this event has left a remarkable imprint in turf history.
Among the winners at York, few are exceptional Derby winners. Roberto falls in this category, along with Troy, Authorized, Australia, and the unrivalled superstar, Sea The Stars. With his Epsom victory in June still fresh in everyone’s memory, City Of Troy’s fate remains uncertain.
Aidan O’Brien has already referred to City Of Troy as the best horse he has ever worked with. This has sparked some doubts, especially since it would be an odd year if one of the Ballydoyle nobility didn’t receive some commercially beneficial accolades.
The stage at York offers City Of Troy an opportunity to at last validate his rising status, but many mares are determined to break through his reputation. Calandagan from the French Renaissance is geared up to challenge City Of Troy, while Whistlejacket has already bagged Aidan O’Brien his fifth Prix Morny victory. Babouche, on the other hand, is Ger Lyons’ hoping to give recognition to the fillies in the Phoenix Stakes.
O’Brien rebukes the scepticism, arguing that perceptions have been induced by the high expectations surrounding City of Troy ever since he broke onto the scene in his two-year-old season. “Our Frankel”, as co-owner Michael Tabor dubbed him, set expectations sky-high. Even a decade after Frankel’s epic Juddmonte triumph, the memory still resonates. Perhaps the significant expectation has overshadowed what most consider to be an extraordinary horse.
City Of Troy’s prior poor performance in Guineas followed by a rather disappointing win at the Eclipse indicated potential weaknesses enough for others to consider taking him on. Among his twelve rivals is his pacemaker, as well as a group strong enough to make the Ebor festival’s opening day, often dubbed as the race of the season, a nail-biting competition. The annual celebration feeds off both hope and solid proof.
While Oaks champion Ezeliya is retired and Jockey Club victor Look De Vega enjoys a reprieve in France, echoing King George’s dazzling winner Goliath, numerous high-profile players have opted to bypass this go-round.
Even so, a tantalising Juddmonte championship is expected, with the possibility of City Of Troy exercising a commanding performance worthy of the fanfare that’s followed him. York, in the height of the season with a stretch of a mile and a quarter under predicted good to firm conditions could be his chance to shine without a litany of excuses.
Given his propensity for a lengthy gallop, the long straight of York is right up his alley. He’s far from a stealthy ‘strike and snatch’ skilled horse, unlike Sea The Stars; he’s more the grinding type which initially prompted thoughts of O’Brien and his team targeting this upcoming weekend’s dirt-based Travers Stakes.
Back during spring, anything short of universal conquest would be a letdown. Guineas’s defeat burst those hopes, but Epsom put the anticipation back on track, only for Sandown to re-ignite uncertainties. It’s high time for a compelling City Of Troy performance.
According to O’Brien, the weather forecast indicates that the track conditions should be superior to those at Sandown and he expressed his hope that York’s long home stretch should be a good fit for City Of Troy, given his stride. O’Brien shared his preference to have the best horses competing in the top races and noted that City Of Troy has always been a distinctive entity. The run-up time between Sandown and York has allowed for some improvements to be made.
The tweaks made might ultimately determine the race’s trajectory, however, should the colt’s performance falter, there are several competitors primed to seize the opportunity, some truly embodying the race’s international reputation.
The Japanese St Leger victor Durezza adds an element of unpredictability. French racing could witness a continued resurgence with Calandagan and Zarakem. Notably, Japan’s Zenno Rob Roy came second in this race almost two decades ago.
The race patrons have made the choice to let their mare, Bluestocking, compete in this race instead of the forthcoming day’s Yorkshire Oaks. This move reflects the conviction among many that the award is within reach, notwithstanding the renown of City Of Troy.
Further bolstering this conviction is the participation of both Ambiente Friendly, the previous runner-up at Epsom, and Ghostwriter, who claimed the third spot in the Eclipse, for another shot at the prize. The usual practice of top competitors deterring potential rivalries doesn’t seem to apply in this case.
Without any reservation, City Of Troy is recognised on official ratings as a top-notch competitor. Observing whether he truly ascends to an even more exclusive rank will be truly fascinating.