‘I loved the way he came up the straight and galloped out’.
Renowned trainer Aidan O'Brien had a big smile on his face on Friday after his Derby and Juddmonte International champion, City Of Troy, went out for a stunning gallop at Southwell as the colt readies for the Breeders' Cup Classic that he will contest in November. To test the youngster under race-like conditions, O'Brien took his promising colt along with four galloping companions to run over a surface similar to the American dirt track at Del Mar.
City Of Troy, whose sire is the American Triple Crown winner Justify, boasts a rather rare pedigree that may allow him to cope with both turf and dirt—a feat that very few European horses managed in the Breeders' Cup Classic. History reminds him that European challengers do not always find it easy on American dirt. O'Brien feels the City Of Troy might be his best chance since the near-miss of Giant's Causeway in 2000, when he finished a neck behind Tiznow. It was a gallop in front of an over 700-strong free-attending public at the City Of Troy, who felt this was a race day affair. City Of Troy trainer O'Brien said: "We needed to get him down here in front of a crowd today. For him, the atmosphere was priceless, preparing him mentally for the challenge." "He felt he was racing today," O'Brien remarked. "The atmosphere was unbelievable, and he knew something different was happening."
City Of Troy's gallop in full!
Next stop: @BreedersCup! @Southwell_Races pic.twitter.com/duhPiDcZmi
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 20, 2024
City of Troy was backed by stablemates Congo River, Democracy, Master Of The Hunt, and Edwardian, who had front-run the mile-long gallop. However, as the runners passed the two-furlong pole, jockey Ryan Moore took over and drove on strongly, City of Troy drawing clear of the field. Moore is happy with the pace and long stride of the horse, which he perceives is one characteristic he will need to win at the Breeders' Cup Classic.
After running, O'Brien observed, "The track was harrowed deeper, making it slower and more grueling," O'Brien said. "We wanted to make sure it was a genuine test, more so given how different America's dirt tracks are from what he's been used to." He added that the first feeling City of Troy had about him was his laid-back nature and how he could simply stretch out in the final furlong. "That's him always; he finishes the stronger the further he goes," O'Brien said.
City Of Troy Conquers Southwell Racecourse…
It was a delight to have The Ballydoyle Team visit Southwell Racecourse for City Of Troy's racecourse gallop!🏇
Next up: Breeders Cup🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/37ZdadPbLo
— Southwell Racecourse (@Southwell_Races) September 20, 2024
O'Brien's confidence in the City of Troy emanates not only from his physical abilities but also from his temperament and the capacity to handle pressure at the time of the race. He explained that one of the biggest problems American dirt racing faces is the kickback issue that can make or break a horse's chances. "Some horses just don't like it, and you certainly don't want to be in a situation where they get the kickback too much," O'Brien said. He was pleased to see the City of Troy handle the looser surface well and said the gallop's conditions provided valuable experience
As the City of Troy crossed the finish line, O'Brien, Moore, and the spectators knew they had witnessed something special. For O'Brien, though, it was not about the physical performance it described; it was more about how the City of Troy handled the entire event from crowd energy to the testing surface. "Today was the best I've ever seen him with Ryan," O'Brien said, beaming with pride. "He broke relaxed, and when Ryan asked him to open up, he just floated. There was no nervous energy, just confidence."
After the gallop, O'Brien and his team were bombarded with effervescent fans who requested autographs and selfies. It was a reminder of how much excitement City of Troy is generating before his bid for Breeders' Cup glory. "We're thankful for everyone who showed up today," said O'Brien, beaming at the sight. "It was priceless for the horse. He felt the buzz, and that's exactly what we wanted." While the gallop went off script, O'Brien is measured in what's next. "He has to come out of this gallop in good shape and be okay tomorrow," he said. "Once we know he's fine, we can start planning his program leading up to Del Mar." Versatility seems to be aplenty with the City of Troy, and the anticipation for the Breeders' Cup Classic is growing at fever pitch.
