City Of Troy sparkles to join Juddmonte International legends

City Of Troy cemented his superstar status when dazzling from the front in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York on Wednesday.

All conquering at two, Aidan O’Brien’s son of Justify left 2000 Guineas disappointment in the past with redemption both in the Derby at Epsom and then when registering a battling success in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

With many far from wowed by his heroics in Esher, an all-star cast assembled to take him on in the Ebor Festival’s opening-day highlight.

City Of Troy jumped out alertly in the hands of Ryan Moore, with the rider eager to make the most of his Classic-winning stamina.

Royal Rhyme, City Of Troy’s stablemate Hans Andersen and Ghostwriter were in his immediate slipstream, with Japanese raider Durezza also close by, while those from further back were keen to work their way into contention swinging into the straight.

The Aga Khan’s Calandagan burst out of the pack to lay down his challenge and continue Francis-Henri Graffard’s fine season, but as both the French raider and City Of Troy scorched clear of the field, the Royal Ascot winner was unable to reel in Ballydoyle’s star performer as he broke the course record.

City Of Troy crossed the line a length clear of Calandagan, with Clive Cox’s Ghostwriter claiming third, as the 5-4 favourite silenced any remaining doubters in scintillating style.