City of Troy Update , “Maybe I left him too fresh”

City of Troy Update , “a non event really”, with some thoughts reasons and plans + Opra Singer Update

In the aftermath of City Of Troy’s unexpected stall incident at the Newmarket Guineas meeting, trainer Aidan O’Brien offered a detailed analysis of the event and its implications. Speaking to Gary O’Brien of RacingTV, O’Brien reflected on the unsettling start for his star colt, suggesting that perhaps he hadn’t reached optimal readiness for his seasonal return.

Explaining the circumstances, O’Brien shared, “Maybe I left him too fresh, because he went into the stalls and reared up and when he hit the ground they let him go straight away.” Typically, horses are afforded a moment to settle after such behavior, but City Of Troy’s reaction was immediate, potentially elevating his heart rate prematurely. O’Brien hypothesized, “His heart was probably very high…he was in the red zone before halfway.”

Undeterred by City Of Troy’s setback, O’Brien remains steadfast in his Derby ambitions, confirming that Epsom remains the primary target. Reflecting on the race, O’Brien asserted, “He’ll stay on the same path, you often miss the first one but we’ll just put a line through it.” With unwavering determination, O’Brien affirmed, “He’ll go for the Derby, that’s the pattern he was going and that’s the way he’ll go.”

In addition to City Of Troy, O’Brien has his sights set on Epsom glory with Ylang Ylang, who showcased promise with a notable fifth-place finish in the 1000 Guineas. Expressing confidence in her potential, O’Brien remarked, “She was working like an Oaks filly, and that’s what she looked like. She’ll go straight to the Oaks. She ran well.”