City Of Troy, the odds-on favourite for the G1 Qipco 2,000 Guineas, pleased his connections in a gallop on Friday morning ahead of his Classic date at Newmarket on Saturday, May 4.
Unbeaten in three starts as a two-year-old, culminating with a dominant three-and-a-half-length victory in the G1 Dewhurst S. on the Rowley Mile in October, City Of Troy will be having his first run of the season in the 2,000 Guineas having skipped the trials.
It's a tried-and-tested route for Aidan O'Brien–the most successful trainer in the race's history with 10 wins–and City Of Troy is said to be in peak condition ahead of his return to Newmarket, having impressed in one of his final pieces of work at Ballydoyle.
Speaking to ITV Racing, Paul Smith, son of part-owner Derrick Smith, said, “He's in great form. He worked today and we're very happy with him. Dean [Gallagher, work rider] was delighted with him and Aidan was delighted with him. Fingers crossed he gets there in one piece, but it is all systems go.
“He's grown a little bit, you'll see that at Newmarket next week. He's got a beautiful temperament, he had that as a two-year-old and still has it now. He takes his work very well–he's just a joy to be around.”
Smith was in no rush to commit to any plans beyond City Of Troy's run in the 2,000 Guineas, though he didn't rule out the possibility of tackling races on dirt with the son of US Triple Crown winner Justify.
“It [dirt racing] is a possibility,” Smith added. “It's the old cliché of taking it a race at a time. We'll see how he does next week and go from there, perhaps to the Derby. We're looking forward to it.”
Champion 2YO City Of Troy (JUSTIFY) completes his morning workout at @Ballydoyle ahead of the Gr.1 2,000 Guineas at @NewmarketRace #Coolmore #Ballydoyle #HomeOfChampions pic.twitter.com/24XNM9VFQE
— Coolmore (@coolmorestud) April 26, 2024
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