City Of Troy returned to form with a commanding victory in the Betfred Derby at Epsom. Aidan O’Brien’s colt, once a juvenile star, had stumbled in the 2000 Guineas but redeemed himself spectacularly.

Sent off as the 3-1 favorite, the Justify colt, following in the footsteps of stablemate Auguste Rodin from last year, silenced critics with a dazzling display in the blue riband event.

Ryan Moore navigated through mid-division traffic turning for home, seizing his chance to power home and win by two and three-quarter lengths from Ambiente Friendly, who traveled smoothly but couldn’t match City Of Troy’s turn of foot.

This victory marked a record-extending 10th Derby triumph for Ballydoyle maestro O’Brien, and a fourth for Moore. O’Brien also saddled the third-place finisher, Los Angeles.

O’Brien reflected, “The exciting thing for us is Justify. He has looked very special all the way, combining speed and stamina. Ryan gave him an incredible ride, and I’m grateful to everyone for their hard work. We knew the Guineas was all wrong due to my mistakes in training him. But we learned from it, and since then everything has been beautiful.”

Coolmore partner Michael Tabor, always a believer in City Of Troy, added, “It means everything. Aidan said this is the best we’ve ever had, and it’s all come true.”

Asked if City Of Troy is the best Derby winner he has trained, O’Brien affirmed, “No doubt. He has the cruise, the balance, he quickens, and he stays. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”

Moore recounted his race, “I had a nice position, but then had to find room when the horses in front didn’t take me as far as I wanted. The race opened up with the loose horse, and I traveled well into the straight. He picked up and went to the front very easily. He was still a little inexperienced, but he changed his leads near the line and went on again.”

He continued, “I’m delighted. He showed so much as a two-year-old, but we got a few things wrong in the Guineas. Aidan’s got him back, we didn’t lose faith, stuck to the plan, and it paid off. We believed he’d be too good if he turned up as we expected, and he was. I was always happy with my position, and he took me there easily, in control a fair way out.”

Looking ahead, O’Brien indicated all options are open for City Of Troy’s next race. “We had a plan: the Guineas, the Derby, and then Saratoga for the Travers Stakes. The lads will discuss and decide. Ryan mentioned he was very babyish today, so we’ll see if he’s ready for that. Other options include the Eclipse, the King George, and later on, the Arc. His stamina seems endless, a common trait in Justifys.”