City Of Troy to clash with Japanese star in Juddmonte International

Following City Of Troy's underwhelming victory in the Eclipse, flat racing fans have been itching to see this year's top three-year-old back on the track. Options like the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and the Irish Champions Stakes had been discussed, along with a potential trip to America for a Group One on dirt.

However, Aidan O'Brien has confirmed this week that the lads are leaning towards a tilt at the Juddmonte International Stakes, a race that Ballydoyle has won with greats like Giant's Causeway, Australia and, most recently, Japan.

York’s chief executive, William Derby spoke to the press today, expressing his excitement about what will be a vintage Juddmonte International.

“We’re obviously delighted to hear the news from Ballydoyle that City Of Troy is likely to run in the Juddmonte International." Derby said. "Obviously there’s a long way to go with horses, but to have Europe’s highest-rated three-year-old being aimed at our flagship race is great,” said Derby.

“We have a record prize fund this year of £1.2million and it’s hugely exciting, it’s looking like an absolute cracker."

“City Of Troy has that mercurial potential to join the likes of Sea The Stars and Frankel, two of the great winners of the race. We all saw what he did in the Betfred Derby, he obviously wasn’t on a going day in the Guineas, but he won the Eclipse like Sea The Stars did ahead of coming to the Knavesmire and it will be fascinating to see how he performs if he comes."

James Fanshawe has confirmed that Ambiente Friendly, second to City Of Troy in the Epsom Derby, is also being trained for the Juddmonte International. Another intended runner is Japanese star Durezza, who will make British debut at York next month.

“It has also been confirmed this morning that Durezza, who won the Japanese St Leger last year, is heading our way." Derby revealed. "Christophe Lemaire is due to ride him, so to have the best two jockeys in the world in Christophe and Ryan Moore taking each other on is something very exciting for us and all race fans.”

With Lemaire in the saddle, Durezza's victory in the Japanese St Leger ensured he ended his three-year-old campaign with a five-race winning run. Tomohito Ozeki's mount hasn't been seen since a disappointing effort in the Tenno Sho at the end of April, which would explain why Durezza is a 16/1 outsider in the Juddmonte International betting, for which City Of Troy is the 5/4 favourite with bet365.