The anticipation is palpable as City Of Troy emerges as the hot favorite for the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket this Saturday, with racing enthusiasts eagerly awaiting to witness if he can live up to his towering reputation.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, City Of Troy has drawn comparisons to the legendary Frankel following his impressive victory in the Dewhurst Stakes last October. With three victories from as many starts, he enters the first Classic of the British Flat racing season aiming to extend his flawless record.
Among his challengers is Rosallion, trained by Richard Hannon, a top-level Group One winner in France last year. Karl Burke’s Night Raider, Charlie Appleby’s Notable Speech, and Clive Cox’s Ghostwriter are also undefeated contenders vying for glory in this prestigious race.
Charlie Hills’ Iberian, who previously triumphed in the Champagne Stakes, stands as a formidable opponent, alongside Alyanaabi, the closest competitor to City Of Troy in the Dewhurst.
Completing the lineup are Rosallion’s stablemate Haatem, Inisherin, Task Force, and Ten Bob Tony, ridden by Saffie Osborne.
Aidan O’Brien, aiming for his record-extending 11th victory in the 2,000 Guineas, has expressed high praise for City Of Troy, hailing him as the “best two-year-old I’ve trained.” Joint-owner Michael Tabor has likened the colt to “Our Frankel,” referencing the iconic Frankel’s remarkable career.
Already the favorite for the upcoming Derby at Epsom in June, City Of Troy’s potential victory in both the Guineas and the Derby could pave the way for a historic bid to emulate Nijinsky’s feat in 1970 by clinching the British Triple Crown with a triumph in the St Leger in September.