City Of Troy gave Aidan O’Brien his 10th Derby success as he returned to form to triumph at Epsom ahead of Ambiente Friendly and stablemate Los Angeles.
Ryan Moore, winning his fourth Derby, settled the son of Justify, who flopped in the 2000 Guineas last time out, in mid-division as his other stablemate Euphoric took the field along.
He had a loose horse for company out in front after Voyage unseated Pat Dobbs leaving the stalls and still led as they turned for home as Moore made steady progress on board City Of Troy.
After weaving his way through and quickening nicely, City Of Troy went ahead around two furlongs out with Ambiente Friendly also travelling well under Robert Havlin.
But City Of Troy kept on strongly in the closing stages to take the honours by two and three-quarter lengths ahead of Ambiente Friendly and Los Angeles, who had tracked Euphoric for much of the race, and Deira Mile.
City Of Troy had been a superstar juvenile before trailing home ninth behind Notable Speech at Newmarket. However, just like stablemate Auguste Rodin did 12 months ago, the 3/1 favourite, silenced any doubters with a dazzling display in the blue riband event.
City Of Troy prevails ahead of Ambiente Friendly
O’Brien said: “The exciting thing for us is Justify (his sire); he has looked very special all the way and the class that they have, speed as well as stamina, is amazing.
“Ryan gave him an incredible ride and I’m so grateful to everyone for the work they have done.
“We knew the Guineas was totally wrong and I made mistakes training him, that’s the bottom line. There were stones I didn’t look under, he was too fresh, he was unprepared, he blew up, that’s the reality.
“But we learned from it and knew the ability he had – and since then everything has been beautiful.”
More to follow…