City Of Troy, who was a disappointing flop when favourite in the 2,000 Guineas, came back to win the Derby at Epsom on Saturday, holding off the well-backed Ambiente Friendly in the closing stages.
Just like his stablemate Auguste Rodin did 12 months ago, the Justify colt, who was sent on his way as the 3-1 favourite, silenced any doubters with a dazzling display in the blue riband event.
Ryan Moore had to pick a route through after being caught inside in mid-division turning for home, but fortune favoured the brave as he powered home to score by two and three-quarter lengths from Ambiente Friendly, who travelled smoothly throughout but could not match the winner’s turn of foot. It was a record-extending 10th Derby triumph for the Ballydoyle maestro O’Brien, and a fourth win in the race for Moore. O’Brien also saddle the third home in the shape of Los Angeles.
Winning rider Moore said: “It was hard to know what would happen today bit I was sure we had the best horse. It didn’t happen at Newmarket but he was a brilliant two-year-old and it was brilliant for him to come back today.
“We did a few things wrong at Newmarket but we got it right [this time]. You have to be delighted with what he did out there today.”
O’Brien, who never lost faith in the colt who was a champion two-year-old, added: “I made mistakes training him [for the Guineas]. He was too fresh and unprepared and not prepared properly but he has grown up since.”
Quick Guide
Greg Wood’s Sunday tips
Show
Nottingham 1.40 King Of Light 2.15 Get Jiggy With It 2.50 Persian Phoenix 3.25 Showalong 3.55 Corsican Caper 4.25 Great Blasket (nap) 4.55 Ardbraccan 5.30 Beylerbeyi
Fakenham 2.00 Pleasant Man 2.35 Chatty Chich 3.10 Augharue 3.45 King Otis 4.15 My Gift To You 4.45 Nickelforce
Hamilton 3.40 Dolce Vitta 4.10 Victory Shout 4.40 Fairbanks (nb) 5.10 Desperate Hero 5.40 Star Jasmine 6.10 Pais Batallion 6.40 Ludo’s Landing
Asked whether he was the best Derby winner he had trained, O’Brien said: “Without a doubt.”