A potential surprise visit to Southwell might be in the cards for City Of Troy as Aidan O’Brien considers a path to the Breeders’ Cup Classic with the Derby winner.
Despite losing his unbeaten streak at Newmarket in the 2000 Guineas, City Of Troy bounced back with a stunning performance at Epsom to capture Classic victory.
The talented Ballydoyle horse has long been seen as a contender for the Breeders’ Cup Classic on dirt at the end of his three-year-old season. With the Coral-Eclipse as his next target, plans are already in motion for City Of Troy, son of Justify, to drop back to 10 furlongs at Sandown.
Following the Coral-Eclipse, City Of Troy may compete in either the Juddmonte International Stakes at York or the Irish Champions Stakes at Leopardstown before heading to Del Mar for the Breeders’ Cup in November. However, before departing for America, O’Brien is considering a visit to Southwell to complete his preparation.
O’Brien has taken previous stars such as Giant’s Causeway and Declaration Of War to Southwell in the past to train on their all-weather surface, and it seems City Of Troy may follow suit.
Speaking on Racing TV’s Luck On Sunday, O’Brien expressed his satisfaction with City Of Troy’s performance, highlighting his potential for the Breeders’ Cup. The plan is to keep him at a mile and a-quarter distance, with races at Sandown, York, Leopardstown, and a potential prep at Southwell on the agenda.
After considering a trip to Saratoga post-Epsom, O’Brien and the owners decided to go a different route due to the horse's inexperience. However, the potential stop at Southwell could be beneficial in City Of Troy’s development and preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.