City of Troy has emerged as the frontrunner among the 49 contenders vying for a spot in the prestigious Qipco 2000 Guineas, marking the commencement of the highly anticipated Classic season.
Trained by the renowned Aidan O'Brien, City of Troy showcased an impressive unbeaten record in three juvenile outings, culminating in a magnificent three-and-a-half-length victory in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket last October.
City of Troy is set to make a return to Headquarters on May 4, accompanied by stablemate Henry Longfellow, who mirrors his unbeaten streak and clinched victory in the Vincent O'Brien National Stakes.
Included in the list of formidable contenders is Richard Hannon's Rosallion, the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere champion, as well as the promising Godolphin colt Ancient Wisdom, under the tutelage of Charlie Appleby, who triumphed in the Futurity Trophy.
Representing Owen Burrows is Shadwell's Alyanaabi, the runner-up to City of Troy in the Dewhurst Stakes and victor of the Tattersalls Stakes, along with the fourth-place finisher in the Futurity Trophy, Deira Mile.
The powerhouse duo of Coolmore and Aidan O'Brien boasts Opera Singer as the top contender in the 1000 Guineas, a filly sired by Justify and last seen securing victory in the Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp. Ballydoyle's Ylang Ylang, triumphant in the Fillies' Mile, is also a name to watch out for.
Karl Burke's Fallen Angel, a dual winner of the Sweet Solera and Moyglare Stud Stakes last season, adds another layer of excitement as a prospective contender set to grace the Rowley Mile on May 5.