City Of Troy Heads Star-Studded Line-Up for Juddmonte International Showdown at York

The highly anticipated Juddmonte International at York on Wednesday is shaping up to be the race of the season, with Aidan O’Brien’s standout colt, City Of Troy, among a bumper field of 16 confirmations. The Derby and Eclipse winner is set to face a formidable test against a mix of top-class older horses and rising stars from the Classic generation.

O’Brien’s team is well-represented, with Continuous, Hans Andersen, and Los Angeles also left in the race. However, it is City Of Troy who will command most attention as he looks to extend his unbeaten record against this high-quality field.

Adding international intrigue to the race is a strong challenge from France, led by Calandagan, who dazzled at Royal Ascot under the guidance of Francis-Henri Graffard. Jerome Reynier’s Zarakem, who finished second in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, also brings top-tier credentials to the contest.

Japan is represented by Durezza, the St Leger winner who is aiming to go one better than Zenno Rob Roy’s near miss in 2005. The global competition underscores the Juddmonte International’s reputation as a premier middle-distance event.

The talented Bluestocking remains a possible contender for the sponsors, while Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly is expected to relish the drop in trip under James Fanshawe’s training. Owen Burrows’ Alflaila, a proven winner of three Group races at York, is another serious threat, alongside Clive Cox’s Ghostwriter, who pushed City Of Troy hard in the Eclipse.

The strength of this year’s line-up is further highlighted by the presence of quality horses like Maljoom, Israr, Docklands, and Royal Rhyme, all available at longer odds in what looks like an exceptionally competitive field.

One potential late entry is White Birch, who is set for a key workout on Friday that will determine his participation. The four-year-old has not raced since causing an upset by defeating Auguste Rodin in the Tattersalls Gold Cup in May. After missing the Prince of Wales’s Stakes and the Eclipse due to health concerns, White Birch’s camp is weighing their options carefully.

Assistant trainer George Murphy provided an update on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast: “He’s in great form and due to have a gallop with Colin Keane riding him. We’ll chat with the owners after that and decide whether he goes to York or straight to the Irish Champion Stakes.”

Murphy hinted at ambitious targets for White Birch’s autumn campaign: “The Arc is definitely still on the table along with the Irish and English Champion Stakes. We’ll know more in the coming days, but he’s in good shape and ready for what lies ahead.”

As racing fans eagerly await the action at York, the Juddmonte International promises to deliver a thrilling contest with a field packed with both established stars and emerging talent.