City Of Troy (Justify), who bested older horses in the G1 International Stakes at York last out, now holds a rating of 130p by Timeform, three pounds clear of his closest rivals pointing to the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar in November.
The Aidan O'Brien colt, who races for the Coolmore partners, participated in a racecourse gallop at Southwell on Friday. Next on ratings is GI Travers Stakes/GI Florida Derby winner Fierceness (City Of Light) at 127, five pounds better than GI Kentucky Derby third and second Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) and Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), both tied at 122 pounds. Highland Falls (Curlin) is next at a mark of 120.
The O'Brien/Coolmore axis has never won the Classic, with their best finish a runner-up performance by the 'Iron Horse' Giant's Causeway when second in 2000. Incidentally, the son of Storm Cat was also rated at 130. Three-for-three at two including the G1 Dewhurst Stakes, the bay is three-for-four on the year, with an unplaced run in the G1 2000 Guineas followed by a trio of Group 1 triumphs–the Derby, Eclipse, and International Stakes.
Timeform handicapper Jake Price said, “With the home team lacking an outstanding runner in this year's Breeders' Cup Classic, this could be the golden opportunity Aidan O'Brien has been looking for to gain a first success in America's premier all-age dirt race with City Of Troy.
“Beaten just once from seven starts, his Timeform rating of 130p puts him ahead of his expected rivals for the race, headed by Travers Stakes winner Fierceness who is rated 127.
“Whilst we won't know how City of Troy will handle this very different test, there are reasons to be confident on that score. He's by US Triple Crown winner Justify, who's already making waves at stud including siring the winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies last year, he has proven battling qualities and can make the running – similar tactics will lessen the negative effect of 'kick back' on the dirt. The short straight at Del Mar will also prove an advantage should he be able to employ that running style once again.”
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