Raceday-style gallop intended to be stepping-stone to Breeders’ Cup Classic.
City Of Troy put on a dominant display in a racecourse gallop at Southwell on Friday, drawing a large crowd as the superstar colt prepares for the Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar on November 2. The highly-anticipated session was designed to give the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt a taste of an artificial surface ahead of his tilt at the American dirt, although Southwell's Tapeta track is significantly different from Del Mar’s dirt.
The son of Justify has been a revelation in his career so far, winning six of his seven starts, including a record-breaking performance in the Juddmonte International at York last month. Friday's gallop saw Ryan Moore, his big-race jockey, employ more patient tactics than usual, with City Of Troy settling at the rear of the five-strong group that included stablemates Congo River, Democracy, Master Of The Hunt, and Edwardian.
Really great buzz at Southwell as the gallop approaches pic.twitter.com/YM42GMtqX5
— Nick Robson (@ValueRacingPlus) September 20, 2024
After being paraded in front of an enthusiastic Nottinghamshire crowd, the City Of Troy was loaded into the specially flown-in American starting stalls. Once the workout began, Congo River set the early pace, but as the field turned for home, City Of Troy smoothly advanced, effortlessly moving clear before powering to the line in splendid isolation, leaving his stablemates trailing far behind.
The commanding performance has only heightened expectations for his upcoming challenge in the Breeders' Cup Classic, as the colt continues to cement his status as one of racing’s brightest stars.
