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| Staff Writer |
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Aidan O’Brien has given a positive update on his top contenders for the upcoming Classics at Epsom. City Of Troy, the favorite for the Betfred Derby, and Ylang Ylang, leading the Oaks market, are both in good form.
City Of Troy will need to recover from a disappointing performance in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, where he finished ninth out of 11 runners, 17 lengths behind the winner, Notable Speech.
Despite this, he was heavily favored for the race due to his outstanding performances as a juvenile, including an impressive Dewhurst triumph. There is strong support for him to regain that form.
Ylang Ylang showed more promise with a close fifth-place finish in the 1000 Guineas, ending just a length behind the unexpected winner, Elmalka. She ended her 2YO season with a strong victory in the Fillies’ Mile and has always been seen as a prospect for middle-distance races.
Speaking after sending out Heavens Gate to victory at the Curragh on Sunday, O’Brien said, "We’re very happy with City Of Troy, all is good so far.
“I’m told there has been some rain at Epsom, but it was soft when he won the Dewhurst last year.
“Ylang Ylang was fit going into the Guineas and has come out of the race well. Hopefully, we’ll just keep her ticking over until Friday.”