Juddmonte International Tips: City Of Troy To Sparkle
A thriller of a Juddmonte International awaits on Wednesday at York as Day One of the Ebor Festival kicks things off with a bang. Derby winner City Of Troy will attempt to become the first horse since 2014 to nail the Epsom-York double up but there is a hot field in behind who will be determined to deny him...
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It is no mean feat to win the Juddmonte as a three year old in a normal season, let alone in a season where the race is as deep as this 2024 edition. This year three colts in their Classic season will attempt to scoop the jewel in York's crown, with Ambiente Friendly, Ghostwriter and CITY OF TROY all proven at a high level to different degrees. Calandagan is another three year old in the lineup, but the French raider is a gelding. That does not mean he cannot be top class, however, and his first run on good to firm at Royal Ascot could hardly have been better. His Group 2 six length pulverisation of the King Edward was a sight to behold and if he repeats that here he will be a worthy foe to any horse in contention.
He is second favourite and third favourite Bluestocking is another horse who is having a tremendous season, taking her form up another level entirely in her four year old campaign, with a Group 1 win, Group 2 win and Group 1 second most recently in the King George on her resumè. Ralph Beckett's charge is a horse I've supported with plenty of success this season and with her good record at York, I can see her going close here once more.
However, despite the claims of the two mentioned who will probably be second and third favourite come the off, I cannot get away from the favourite City Of Troy and I'm convinced the Justify colt will be back to his Epsom best here with the surface a huge factor. He won the Eclipse last time out on soft ground but was clearly blunted by this, as well as a self confessed sub optimal ride from Ryan Moore.
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He should have loyal pacemaker Hans Andersen setting things up perfectly here from team Ballydoyle and the manner of his Epsom win as well as his two year old campaign, combined with the glowing reviews he repeatedly gets from those who know him best means that despite the depth of the field here and his short price I cannot tip up anyone else.
This will arguably be his toughest test yet and while I've already eulogised over the claims of two horses who will be perceived as his two main threats, there are plenty in here with more than a squeak who need to be considered. The aforementioned Ambiente Friendly has given off the impression he doesn't relish a battle in the finish, so the strong traveller should enjoy this drop in trip.
Alflaila is the pick of Jim Crowley and won the City Of York over this C&D last time out so cannot be fully discounted, while Maljoom is at long last trying this trip. I won't bore you with the cliche about his handler William Haggas loving a winner here, but I will mention the fact he was much improved in the Sussex Stakes potentially thanks to headgear and that gear is retained here. He is not out of it.