Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith is confident that City Of Troy, son of the legendary Justify, will perform extraordinarily well on dirt in the upcoming Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar. Drawing on his extensive experience as a four-time Classic winner, Smith has witnessed many remarkable horses, including Justify, the 2018 Triple Crown champion.
“I’ve closely followed City Of Troy’s journey,” Smith shares. He believes the colt is prepared to excel, emphasising, “He will be fresh and strong.” While he acknowledges that dirt kickback may pose a slight challenge, Smith expects City Of Troy to position himself prominently during the race. “He won’t be far back; he’ll be handy,” Smith predicts, expressing confidence that the distance will suit him well.
City Of Troy has built his reputation on turf, yet Smith is optimistic that his lineage will shine through. Echoing Justify's straightforward nature, he describes City Of Troy as professional and focused, able to perform under varying tactics.
In addition to his thoughts on City Of Troy, Smith reflects on his illustrious career, including iconic rides aboard Zenyatta and Arrogate. The Breeders' Cup Classic remains one of his most cherished goals in American horse racing. As he prepares for this significant event, Smith’s passion for the sport and high hopes for City Of Troy are palpable, solidifying his place in racing's storied history.