City Of Troy shines in the preliminary lineup of Derby contenders

Juvenile sensation City Of Troy emerges as a prominent figure among the initial cohort of 72 contenders listed in the Betfred Derby's first entry stage.

Trained by the esteemed Aidan O’Brien, the promising Justify colt showcased an impeccable record, triumphing in all three outings as a two-year-old. He commenced his winning streak by clinching his maiden victory, followed by a commanding six-and-a-half-length triumph in the Superlative Stakes.

City Of Troy continued his dominance with a convincing three-and-a-half-length victory in the Dewhurst, culminating in an impressive rating of 125 that propels him to the top of the leaderboard as the new season beckons.

O’Brien's yard boasts a formidable lineup, with stablemate Henry Longfellow securing the third spot on the list with a rating of 119. Henry Longfellow is also a contender for the prestigious Epsom Classic. The O’Brien camp further strengthens its position with a total of 17 entrants in the mix, including Diego Velazquez, victor of the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes, and Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner Los Angeles.

City Of Troy, slated to make his first appearance in the Qipco 2000 Guineas, commands the market's favour, closely followed by Henry Longfellow. Trainer Charlie Appleby's representation includes Futurity Trophy champion Ancient Wisdom and Zetland Stakes victor Arabian Crown.

The roster comprises 46 entries from British stables, complemented by 23 from Ireland, with one each hailing from France, the USA, and Japan. The eagerly anticipated £1.5 million showcase event, scheduled for June 1, sets the stage for the next entry stage on April 24.