Aidan O'Brien has issued a positive bulletin on his big hopes for Classic glory at Epsom, with Betfred Derby favourite City Of Troy (Justify) and Oaks market leader Ylang Ylang (GB) (Frankel {GB}) reported in good spirits.
City Of Troy must bounce back from a disappointing display in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket where he trailed home in ninth behind Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).
However, he was an odds-on shot for that contest on the back of last year's sensational juvenile exploits, which featured an ultra-impressive Dewhurst triumph, and the Justify colt has been well backed to recapture that form.
Ylang Ylang put in a much more pleasing effort when a close fifth in the 1000 Guineas, staying on strongly to finish just a length behind surprise scorer Elmalka (GB) Kingman {GB}).
Speaking 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.”
He added, “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.”
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