Will City Of Troy handle the dirt at the Breeders' Cup?

It's the big question heading into the Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar on Saturday night. Angus McNae studies all the evidence, including the RaceiQ data, and gives his verdict in our special show. #horseracing #horse #horses #breederscup #dirt #equine #breederscupclassic #cityoftroy
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[@jwr04CFC]

Surely the main thing is to respect Aiden when he says this is the best he’s ever had. That means more than any other speculation. The man is a legend,and boy he’s had some fairly decent horses over the years to judge City of Troy against.

[@Mike20216]

@@jwr04CFC always respect aiden he’s a master trainer, but it’s a big ask for a European turf horse to win a grade 1 on dirt, despite being a justify, luckily there’s not a horse of the class of a American pharaoh, ghostzapper, curlin or flightline in it this year

[@sionrouge1697]

@@jwr04CFC 30 years of watching Aiden and He still hasn't learned to let the horse do the talking. All of that best I've had stuff plays good on those stallion ads but let the horse do the talking. Comming over here to the U.S. with no prior race on dirt will be too much for this horse

[@DavidCarvillr]

@jwr04CFC for goodness sake,aidien always says this horse is special ,augusta rodin last year and countless examples over the years.

[@jwr04CFC]

@DavidCarvillr and Auguste Rodin is an exceptional middle distance horse so youre kind of proving my point. If this horse is way better than Auguste, Galileo et al,at the same stage of their respective developments then only a fool would think he wasn't being honest. We'll see,the dirt could undo him for sure,although his dad Justify seemed alright on it! He may look more like a Galileo but horses will make fools of us all sometimes.

[@DavidCarvillr]

@jwr04CFC Auguste rodin is a solid group one horse ,not exceptional,my point is special by definition is rare so when used frequently it dilutes the claim.I prefer the form book to speculation or what a trainer says any day of the week.

[@SuperSchiehallion]

How good is that Angus thanks for the video

[@lenordbrazil9580]

Thanks i learned a few things abd biw believe city of Troy wont grip dirt as well as grass great horse❤❤

[@TheEnglishLongbow]

He looked to have a more rounded action on his recent outing on dirt, but that was really only a canter. He changes his legs a lot, which is maybe why he can keep up his relentless gallop. That may also be an asset at Del Mar. At least we know he goes well left handed.

[@silvereyedstacker1842]

He looked magnificent today and like he’s sitting on a big race. We will know in 2 days!

[@ChrisB-vb9hh]

I have a feeling that he’s going to mirror Rip Van Winkle’s classic performance!!

[@jamesbarryobrien3514]

Its hard to know,l believe he will have too much speed for them . I see victory .❤

[@Kevjohno]

to much speed ,,,you never seen American racing

[@jamesbarryobrien3514]

@Kevjohno lts time to open American eyes , and they need opening , lreland ,have the best horses in the world .

[@jamesbarryobrien3514]

@Kevjohno This horse is a another Frankel . Have you heard of him.?

[@nightowl7459]

​@@jamesbarryobrien3514He's not another Frankel, Frankel was unbeaten and won his races much more convincing, he might be lucky as he is here, because the American horses aren't really up to that much this season.

[@Kevjohno]

@@jamesbarryobrien3514 we will see ,but they can go a pace them american horses ,just saying ,

[@classactsexpertiseandinspi4815]

The dirt surface in the US is NOT as humane and safe as the woodchip/ silica sand etc artificial surface on the Coolmore gallops. America seems happy to tolerate the level of injury and mortality that its harder looser surfaces yields. They only care about speed and spectacle at a lower maintenance cost. If its raining No European horse should run. Also we should know which horses are on Lasics to supposedly reduce bursting risk at higher temperatures.

[@wacmedia]

I have lived in America and agree. European racing is vastly superior, the different track formations and the need for horses to quicken. People follow the money but you cant beat York or Sandown for me.

[@user-cm5ky1dj7n]

Already making excuses

[@classactsexpertiseandinspi4815]

@wacmedia Thank you for your constructive comment , I'm stating facts not excuses and many Americans are NOT supplied with facts unfortunately to preserve the status quo. But anything can be made more humane and safe for horse and rider on either side of the pond. I don't care who wins so I don't need to make excuses, my concern is for horse and rider. God protect them all.

[@dazza9623]

O'Brien wouldn't run this horse if he didn't think he could handle the dirt . This is indeed a very interesting presentation by Angus which points to him not coping. Only time will tell. Personally I think he will finish in the 1st 3.

[@EasyGoer-e3z]

City of Troy Can Not Win The Classic...This is Just Aidan Taking Another Wild Shot Hoping For a Miracle

[@michaelthompson3403]

I saw him.at York he was a beast that day but that was fast ground..hope he wins but wont be backing him.

[@fatboy5926]

I don’t know how good he is. Is he a champion? He is certainly extremely good supremely talented. Is it a bit unusual for a European horse to lead the way he did and win? Very impressive. Off a strong tempo - and he quickened terrifically. I don’t see why he won’t run well on dirt (but obviously we won’t know til Raceday) but yeah he seems to be able to sustain a very long sprint - but he quickens when needed too. Very impressive

[@Mike20216]

Hope so, he has the class but have my doubts, should have had a prep run in the September stakes

[@BitcoinMoney8]

100%

[@markdoyle6400]

@@Mike20216 agreed but this is the target since he was a 2 year old. It helps there's no Flightline in here as if there was I doubt Aiden would have bothered but it's a weak Classic this year and on that basis he has a good chance.

[@Martin.Lewis..]

“City Of Troy will finish last in the Derby” May 2024, Frankelfornever. 😂😂😂😂 Horse turns out to be a world beater. Literally.

[@nightowl7459]

🤭 Yaawwwwn 😴Zzzzzz

[@Martin.Lewis..]

👆👆 Vice Captain of the Clown Club has turned up. Let’s not even start to talk about Rodin with you 😉 #allclueless

[@manojdavid10]

Either city of Troy will smoke this field or trail the field, nothing in the middle.

[@ThomasDoubting5]

Im pretty sure O'Brien will know he can handle the dirt wether or not he will beat the yanks at thier own game is another matter.

[@andrewschubank5252]

He knows you don't bring a horse that your going to retire afterwards all that way without knowing 😅

[@seamusfallon3104]

@@ThomasDoubting5 did you miss all of them?

[@theLowestPointInMyLife]

Why is Angus talking like Cadence is a ranking? 12th best? Absolutely meaningless statement. Cadence tells you generally what distance a horse will be best at, sprinters are usually 2.5+, 12f horses around 2.15-2.25, thats your typical Derby horse. Of course with the exceptionally long stride that CoT has, his cadence is even lower than typical. Tells you zero about his ability to handle dirt either. My gut feeling is a pure turf horse but its not a really strong opinion, I wouldnt back him at the price in a million years but I hope he wins, really special horse.

[@seamusfallon3104]

Make no mistake...city of Troy may be a short priced favourite but the odds are stacked against him

[@wacmedia]

O'Briens record in the race suggests you are right. But, as the woman said to Leonard Cohen, "I only like handsome men, but for you I'll make an exception".

[@wacmedia]

I think the issue was would he act on turf ? I was at York for Juddmonte and it was the best race of the year. Bluestocking(which I backed) beaten out of sight before winning the Arc.

[@silvereyedstacker1842]

@@wacmedia Royal Rhyme came back to run third in the British Champion. Calandagan had a horrendous trip, but Royal Rhyme’s placing in that race shows just what a monstrous race City of Troy ran that day. I think Calandagan has a real shot to be the best horse in the world next year.

[@Mar.T.365]

I believe City Of Troy either wins or runs well off the board, with no in between!!

[@Grudeman408]

I love cot but he won't win in America, way too many things against him especially at 7/4 absolutely TERRIBLE price, highland falls and Newgate for me

[@rapidreaper]

If Calandagan could close him down on turf then Forever Young surely will on dirt, he looks bombproof to fly home in the straight.

[@harrysmith6502]

His arse end does the damage and that power sends his front legs out hard and fast.

[@robertomeara3469]

He will be in top 3

[@Chief_Brody]

He'll get absolutely stuffed

I’ll take my chances with my 25/1

[@marksouthward]

You got all your money on this Martin

[@TrevorCleaver]

😂

[@nightowl7459]

All his 50 pence pocket money.

[@JJ11794-x]

I’ll pop back Saturday to this comment 👍

[@musicmike1972]

Lewis has a lot riding on this - 25p and his reputation. 25p is a lot for money for little Martin.

[@jellabecloud1866]

If he's good enough he will win. Watch out for the 7 year old Japanese horse.

[@paulfrith2681]

Justify galileo his father was a dirt champion he will ping the stalls they wont catch him job done !!

[@JasonLaveck]

What makes people think this can win this race, he is racing against some prove dirt horses, specially Forever young.

[@BrianSimpson-i6o]

The Eclipse was very soft ground that he doesn't like

[@DominicFearon]

This horse won't be beaten its Aidans best horse also Ryan Moore said its the best horse he has ever sat on don't be foolish and back it because it's the last time you will see this horse in racing before retirement too stud... put your house on it!!!!

[@BrianSimpson-i6o]

Hooves don't grab the ground

[@BrianSimpson-i6o]

Dirt is in his jeans he's so fast and his stride gets longer the more you ask him

[@ccahill2322]

@BrianSimpson-i6o, Levi's or Wranglers?

[@badbeatbilly8997]

More power to him if he does but I wont be betting on him.

[@scorpionl6335]

The question is if he can defeat the best 3 year old and older dirt horses in the world? even if he handle the dirt he have to fight and defeat all this truly dirt horses. Being said that he got the blend blood of justify and Galileo . See how this work out for him.

[@MANDINGOFELIX]

When he trains home it is DIRT

[@Dee-wj5qu]

Is it just me that thinks he either wins or he won't place

[@jlcm6475]

I think he is an excellent horse but I think he has a problem with his right hand, I observed it in this race please tell the owners my humble opinion. oh no, a problem, it seems to me that he doesn't stretch his hand well...

[@markdoyle6400]

No way would Aiden or connections would race him on dirt if he doesn't handle dirt 😂 the question is can he handle the kickback and the initial pace the American horses go at the start. Here's my opinion, he's the best horse in the race no question but dirt racing is different to turf racing in many ways. He'll be fine on dirt but that pace they go at the start could leave him down the field and from stall 3 Ryan needs to maintain a decent position throughout the first 2 furlongs or he'll have too much traffic. So if he's around 5th or sixth I believe his chances are significantly improved for winning purposes. So then we have the distance which is basically perfect for COT, when all those American horses are running out of steam in the last 2 furlongs he'll be flying at the end and he finds like few horses. I say put whatever you got on him but only take SP because he'll not go off 7/4 on the day.

[@TheInmortalVerse]

Aidan has sent a lot of horses there. And has sent them without knowing if they handled dirt, he just dared for greatness. The same with City

[@TrevorCleaver]

2 wins from 75 dirt runners 😂

[@martinfitzpatrick1831]

If he hits the front and doesnt get taken on he wins by 4/5 lengthd

[@LarryFogarty]

to me he should be 5 to 4

[@Bix21-z3f]

YES...there ..and i didn't even watch video!

[@BrianSimpson-i6o]

You are wrong horses Hoves don't grab the ground

[@patrickhughes2210]

All horses hate dirt.i know ive galloped more horses than anyone in yhe world

[@smallsmalls3889]

You mean sand on a Donkey Derby race.

[@ThomasDoubting5]

😂

[@theoriginalscoobiedoo1660]

YES, CITY OF TROY WILL SHOW THE WORLD. HE WILL BE FAST OUT AND LEAD THEM , THEN SUBSTAIN HIS SPEED AND YES YOU WITNESS IT , SIMPLY THE BEST BETTER THAN ALL REST , THE BEST HORSE EVER , (BAR- NONE) THE WORLD OF USA ARE AFRAID OF THIS JUSTIFY HORSE , THERE ALL LUCKY IN ENGLAND AND THE USA. BELIVE ME THEIR VERY LUCKY HE GOING TO STUD FOR $ BILLONS 3YR. CITY OF TROY & TINA TURNER PLUS CHRIS UBANKS

[@ErmaNay-osan]

Watch out to the 7 years old horse

[@jlcm6475]

creo que es excelente caballo pro creo tiene problema d su mano derecha , lo observe en esta carrera favor decirle ah los dueños mi humilde opinion. oh no un problema me parece que no estira bien su mano..

[@stevenelief6784]

You Brits are a bit too effusive. This is no Secretariat, and the horse was ordinary in the Eclipse. Hyped horse, crap odds, won't win. Leave dirt racing to the Americans

[@lenordbrazil9580]

How could a horse this good never try a race on dirt?

[@sionrouge1697]

I understand HOPE but I don't understand CRAZY. This horse has no chance. Our racing is diffrent. Our horses are trained to attack from the gate. If Ryan wants to go He won't be alone. HE will be pressed and his race will be over after 3 furlongs.

[@TrevorCleaver]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@joshuamiller9779]

lol no chance?

[@sionrouge1697]

@@joshuamiller9779 No chance. I don't care what breeder you talk to the popular consensus is the mare determines the surface of the offspring 70% of the time. They are banking on Justify to override 70% of his pedigree. That's crazy. Like I said this is not Europe where races are run in a slow away kick half way and then kick for home format. This is the United States our races are ran in a kick kick coast formation. It will be unwise for them to get in a speed dude in the first 1/2. They will go 47 and 3 to the 1/2 if they are smart .

[@DavidCarvillr]

Don't think he will win ,but to say he has no chance is crazy as giants causeway and swain were both very competitive on dirt.

[@joshuamiller9779]

@ yeah I get your points I’ve been on city of Troy for about a year now I was expecting him to come in and run the turf. Heard rumbles of classic but didn’t think they’d actually do it. If so he’d be like 8 or 10-1. Him being the favorite is insane. I believe he’ll close behind forever young and fierceness

[@rosskeenan9117]

If city of troy dosnt handle the surface just means he will win it by less if he does handle it he will destroy them adien obrien is a Incredible trainer am i being biased probably am scottish am we see obriens horses all the time in ireland 🇮🇪and uk i wish him all the best

[@BitcoinMoney8]

Very good. Won't be carrying my money after watching this