"Straight to the Classic" - City Of Troy handed Breeders' Cup target
City Of Troy delivered an outstanding performance at the Juddmonte International Stakes, shattering the track record and securing his fourth Group One win. Following this victory, plans are set for the horse to run in the Breeders' Cup Classic. Although a potential run on dirt poses challenges, the team is confident. City Of Troy's odds are currently favorable, but his performance on the new surface remains to be seen. Upcoming races, including the Travers Stakes, will further define the competition.
- City Of Troy wins Juddmonte International Stakes, breaking track record
- Plans set for Breeders' Cup Classic; horse to race on dirt for first time
- Current odds favorable; further competition to be defined by upcoming races
City Of Troy may have had his last race in Europe, as Coolmore point their star at the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Anyone doubting City Of Troy's class was made to eat their words at York on Wednesday. Ryan Moore bounced the favourite straight out in front in the Juddmonte International Stakes and the duo never looked back, powering to a hugely impressive victory from French star Calandagan.
In collecting his fourth career Group One win, City Of Troy smashed the ten-furlong track record set by the legendary Sea The Stars in the same race in 2009. Some had suggested a possible tilt at the Irish Champion Stakes was on the agenda next for Aidan O'Brien's star, with the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe also taken into consideration.
For a long while now, Coolmore has been looking for a stallion with proven form on both turf and dirt. The great Giant's Causeway was beaten a neck in the Breeders' Cup Classic in 2000. Four-time Group One winner, Churchill finished down the field in the 2017 renewal of the Classic, a historic race which was discussed for Auguste Rodin 12 months ago.
Both the Classic and the Travers Stakes were mentioned as targets for City Of Troy earlier in the season. Following his record-breaking victory at York, Aidan O'Brien revealed to the press that his Justify colt was now being prepared for the Breeders' Cup Classic.
"It looks like City Of Troy is going to go straight to the Classic, I think, listening to everybody." O'Brien said.
"I think he's going to go to one of your tracks (for a racecourse gallop), either Southwell or Ryan mentioned Wolverhampton.
"We just want to get him on a different surface, so that's where he could go and then he'll go straight on (to America)."
Co-owners, Michael Tabor confirmed that City Of Troy was set for a spin on the dirt at Del Mar in November, and was shocked at the early price quotes by certain bookmakers.
Tabor said, "It is very difficult, trying to prepare the horse for a different situation and it is a big ask."
"I noticed someone quoted him at 3-1. That is a short price — that's a ridiculous price. A different surface like that, he's not used to that surface."
"Naturally we'd love to win it. We've gone pretty close with Giant's Causeway and maybe one day we'll win, hopefully this year with City Of Troy."
The best price you'll currently find about City Of Troy winning the 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic is the 4/1 on offer with bet365. Potential rivals Fierceness, Sierra Leone and Dornoch will put their Classic credentials on the line in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga this evening, and the result of that Group One is sure to shake up the market.
Verdict
Breeders' Cup Classic 2024 Odds:
City Of Troy
2024 Breeders' Cup Classic
@4/1 - 15 Units
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