**Talking Horses | City Of Troy on the Brink of Legendary Status at Breeders’ Cup** The highly regarded trainer has labeled City Of Troy as the "best I've trained," but the colt faces a formidable challenge to validate that claim. Historically, before the rise of international football teams, racehorses often served as symbols of national pride and ambition. Take Gladiateur, for instance, the first French-bred winner of the Epsom Derby in 1865, who was celebrated as “the avenger of Waterloo.” Even today, the connection between racing and national identity remains strong. On Saturday at 14:41 Pacific Time (21:41 GMT in London and Dublin, 05:41 Japan Standard Time on Sunday in Tokyo), the eyes of millions of racing enthusiasts worldwide will be fixed on Del Mar in Southern California. They will witness a two-minute spectacle as City Of Troy, this year’s Derby champion, lines up against 13 competitors in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. This race features champions from three continents, and for City Of Troy, it represents a daunting away challenge. He aims to achieve an unprecedented feat: no turf Derby winner has ever triumphed in the Classic, which is run on dirt. Moreover, he is the only horse in the lineup without prior experience on this surface. The intense pace, the kickback from the dirt, and the quick starts of his rivals will present a relentless test from the very beginning. There will be no opportunity for him to ease into the race or catch his breath mid-way through.

The recent Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp was a memorable event, with Bluestocking emerging as a deserving winner. Ridden expertly by Rossa Ryan and benefiting from a favorable draw, Bluestocking was well-supported, starting at an industry SP of 11-2 in the UK after being priced in double figures the night before. However, while Bluestocking's victory is commendable, it may not be remembered as one of the standout wins in the history of the Arc. This year's race lacked the usual star power, featuring a 16-horse field that was closely matched in terms of ratings and recent performances. The absence of the world’s top-rated turf horse, City Of Troy, who is preparing for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup, along with three other leading middle-distance contenders—including the King George winner, Goliath—due to a ban on geldings, contributed to a less thrilling atmosphere. Despite these factors, the event at Longchamp still managed to resonate with fans, reaffirming its place on the bucket lists of racegoers.