EPSOM, United Kingdom – City of Troy dominated the Derby on Saturday with trainer Aidan O’Brien saying he had “no doubt” this was the best of all his 10 winners of the Epsom classic. City of Troy beat Ambiente Friendly (9-2) by two and three quarter lengths with another O’Brien runner Los Angeles (6-1) over three lengths back in third. The result was the latest demonstration of O’Brien’s magical ability to produce a horse for the big occasion.
Asked if this was the best of all his 10 Derby winners O’Brien told ITV: “No doubt.” City of Troy came in for a lot of criticism after the champion two-year-old in 2023 totally fluffed his lines in the Guineas, trailing in ninth of 11. O’Brien though as he had done last year with Auguste Rodin stuck by his conviction that City of Troy still had all the qualities to add his name to the illustrious roll call of Derby winners.
“Ryan (Moore) gave him an incredible ride,” said O’Brien, before in typically modest fashion reeling off a long list of names of people involved in City of Troy’s preparation. Drawn unfavourably on the inside rail in stall one Moore bided his time on the favourite as the 16-runner field was led by O’Brien’s pacemaker Euphoric tracked by Los Angeles. There was drama just after the start when Voyage unseated his jockey, Pat Dobbs.
Euphoric led around Tattenham Corner with Los Angeles ranging up on his outside to take the lead entering the straight. Moore then made his move, weaving thr.