City of Troy Bounces Back With Dominant Betfred Derby Win

City Of Troy returned to form in brilliant style, banishing memories of his QIPCO 2000 Guineas flop, to win the Betfred Derby at Epsom.

It was a case of Deja Vu for winning combination Ryan Moore and Aidan O’Brien as the son of Justify provided them with a fourth and tenth win respectively in the Premier Classic.

The start saw drama as Voyage unseated Pat Dobbs when leaving the stalls and proceeded to run loose alongside the early leader, Euphoric.

As the field rounded Tattenham corner Euphoric began to drop back, leaving stablemate Los Angeles to take up the running as they entered the straight.

Lingfield Derby winner Ambiente Friendly travelled supremely into contention down the centre of the track, while City Of Troy mirrored his move up on the far rail. At the furlong pole, City Of Troy began to assert, eventually powering clear to win convincingly.

Speaking to ITV immediately after the race Moore commented: “It was hard to know what would happen today, but I was very sure we had the best horse. At Newmarket it didn’t happen and we can’t pretend we knew it would happen, but we do know he has a big engine.

“In the Guineas, we got a few things wrong, but it’s great that he could come back today. He was still a little bit immature, it’s the first time he’s run around a bend and hopefully there’s plenty more to work on.

“It was sensational. He was going to win very easily and then with the loose horse in front of him, he was still a bit unsure, but he galloped out strong. He quickened well and kind of waited so you’d have to be delighted with what happened today.”