3 minute read

City Of Troy could take on eleven opponents in his quest for further Group 1 glory in Saturday’s Group 1 Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.

Aidan O'Brien will be looking for an eighth Eclipse success with last month's Epsom Derby hero, who bounced back from a disappointing run in the 2000 Guineas to take Classic success. City Of Troy will be trying ten furlongs for the first time and could be joined by three stablemates, with last year's St Leger winner Continuous, Hans Anderson and fellow Epsom victor Luxembourg featuring amongst confirmations.

The John Joseph Murphy-trained White Birch is set to make the journey over from Ireland, having taken a notable step forward as a four-year-old. Whilst the best of the grey's form last year was a third in the Derby behind Auguste Rodin, he remains unbeaten in three starts this season – including a comfortable victory ahead of the same rival in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh.

Aside from City Of Troy, the three-year-old division could be represented by Roger Teal's Dancing Gemini and the Clive Cox-trained Ghost Writer.  The former finished a commendable sixth in the Epsom Derby behind City Of Troy, whilst Ghost Writer filled the fourth position in both the 2000 Guineas and the Prix du Jockey Club.

City Of Troy is currently 8/15 favourite with sponsors Coral for Saturday's feature race.