As the excitement builds for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar, the spotlight shines brightly on City Of Troy, a horse that has been the talk of the racing world. Following last year’s Future Champions Day, where he dazzled under Ryan Moore to secure the Dewhurst, the narrative around City Of Troy has only intensified, even while he remained at his base in Ballydoyle, approximately 400 miles away from Newmarket.
Confirming his retirement from racing, it was announced that the Breeders’ Cup Classic will be City Of Troy's grand farewell before he transitions to a breeding career at Coolmore’s Fethard in County Tipperary, rather than at Ashford Stud in Kentucky. Trainer Aidan O’Brien didn’t hold back in his praise for the colt, proclaiming him, “...definitely the best we’ve ever trained, no doubt about it.”
This assertion has ignited debate, particularly considering City Of Troy currently ranks as only the 16th-best horse in O’Brien’s illustrious training career according to Timeform ratings. Lydia Hislop from Racing TV took the opportunity to press O’Brien for clarity on this claim. The trainer’s defence highlighted City Of Troy's exceptional performance as a two-year-old and his remarkable three-year-old season, which included a prestigious sequence of wins in the Derby, Eclipse, and Juddmonte.
O’Brien’s enthusiasm for City Of Troy’s upcoming start at Del Mar was palpable. “I think you’re only going to see the real City Of Troy when we let him go like he was as a two-year-old,” he noted. The anticipation surrounding how he will adapt to the Breeders’ Cup Classic—with its fast pace and pressure—adds an exciting dimension to his final race.
Timeform and O’Brien’s Legacy
According to Timeform, the benchmark for O’Brien-trained horses is Hawk Wing, who achieved a remarkable rating of 136 in the 2003 Lockinge Stakes. City Of Troy, with a rating of 130p, has room for improvement, indicating that his best performances may still lie ahead. Notable Derby winners like Galileo, High Chaparral, and Australia surpass him in ratings, adding context to the conversation about his status.
The stakes are high for City Of Troy at Del Mar, where he could potentially break the two-minute barrier, following Candy Ride’s track record of 1:59.11 and Knicks Go’s 1:59.57. This performance would not only enhance his rating but could solidify O’Brien's claim about him being the best horse he has trained.
What’s Needed for Glory
City Of Troy’s victory in the Juddmonte International has set a strong foundation, but achieving a higher Timeform rating than 130p is crucial for his legacy. Should collateral forms from upcoming races validate his performance, a rating adjustment could be on the horizon.
To elevate his standing closer to Hawk Wing’s record, a stellar performance that decisively separates him from the American challengers will be essential. The leading dirt form from the likes of Fierceness, who posted a 127+ rating in the Florida Derby, poses a significant challenge, especially since City Of Troy has yet to compete on such surfaces.
A Unique Journey Ahead
O’Brien believes the City Of Troy embodies qualities not previously seen in his stable: a clear-winded athlete with an impressive physique and exceptional temperament. “He’s something that we’ve never had… he’s all the special things that we haven’t seen ever before,” he stated.
As the City Of Troy prepares for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, the potential for a groundbreaking performance looms large. A win would not only mark a historic moment for O’Brien but could also provide the definitive proof needed to settle the debate about the City Of Troy’s place in the pantheon of great racehorses. The racing world eagerly awaits what could be a career-defining moment for both the horse and his celebrated trainer.
