Aidan O’Brien reveals the Travers Stakes at Saratoga in August is one of the summer options for the hero of Epsom
Saratoga and the Curragh are possible destinations for Betfred Derby hero City Of Troy after the colt’s dramatic triumph at Epsom on Saturday.
Having surrendered his unbeaten record with a tame ninth-of-11 finish in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket four weeks earlier, Ryan Moore’s mount roared back to his brilliant best to beat Ambiente Friendly by two and three-quarter lengths – extending Aidan O’Brien’s win record in the race to 10.
All bar one of O’Brien’s nine previous Derby victors sought to double up in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh, with five proving successful. And the Ballydoyle trainer is keen to test the son of American Triple Crown winner Justify on dirt in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga on August 24, which would open the door to an ambitious tilt at the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar in November.
“Those races are open to him,” O’Brien, who will now consult with the partners of the Coolmore Stud before finalising running plans, said yesterday. “He’s a son of Justify and those races on dirt would be significant to his appeal as a stallion.
“The lads had it in their head that he could go to Saratoga and they will decide what they want to do in the next week to 10 days,” added the trainer, whose third home Los Angeles is likely to take in the Irish Derby at the Curragh on June 30.
“We were delighted with the horse – Ryan gave him a brilliant ride – and he seems in good form today.”
Other possible targets for the horse include the Coral-Eclipse Stakes, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Juddmonte International at York.
City of Troy came from a long way back to mow down the field in the 245th renewal of the famous Classic.
Given an expert ride by Ryan Moore, he weaved his way through on the inside before hitting the front two furlongs from home before galloping on strongly to victory.