City Of Troy was back to his brilliant best as he ran out a convincing winner in the Derby at Epsom.
Aidan O’Brien’s charge had been a superstar juvenile but fluffed his lines when well beaten in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in early May, when he became upset in the stalls before the race.
However, just like 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 Ballydoyle maestro O’Brien, and a fourth win in the race for Moore. O’Brien also saddled the third home in the shape of Los Angeles.
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.”