City of Troy is clinging on to favoritism in the Derby (G1) despite his unfavorable draw in stall 1, but Aidan O’Brien is unconcerned ahead of his bid for classic glory at Epsom.
Just like fellow Ballydoyle star Auguste Rodin a year ago, the son of Justify bids to rebuild his career with victory June 1, having flopped when ninth in the Two Thousand Guineas (G1) earlier this month. However, he will have to overcome the inside gate to do so, with only two Derby winners coming from that starting position since 1972.
Adayar was the last to emerge victorious from stall 1 three years ago under a fine Adam Kirby ride. Oath also defied the lowest draw in 1999.
After the draw was revealed, bet365 made Los Angeles the 7-2 joint favorite with his stablemate, but he will also break low from stall 4, which was last successful in the Derby when the great Sea The Stars won 15 years ago.
City of Troy remains the clear favorite with most firms despite not getting the rub of the green at the draw ceremony, which was made in Epsom town center the morning of May 30.
Unibet is the only firm to break ranks and has made City of Troy a standout 9-2, with Los Angeles their market leader at 7-2.
O’Brien said: “We haven’t read too much into it yet but look, the draw is the draw for everyone really.”
Coral spokesman David Stevens said: “The lowest draw is generally regarded as a negative, suggesting City of Troy’s task is now even harder. He’s still clinging on to favoritism, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Los Angeles put that under further threat come race time.”
Nine of the last 10 Derby winners have been drawn in the higher half, with the exception being Adayar, and six of those have come from a double-figure number.
No winner has emerged from stall 11, but Godolphin’s Ancient Wisdom , who has been strongly backed during the week, is out to defy that stat and is a general 4-1.
Dancing Gemini was also drawn high in stall 15 and his trainer Roger Teal believes that can only be a positive for his French Two Thousand Guineas (G1) runner-up.
Teal said: “I think we would rather be higher than low, so I’m not devastated by the draw. Everyone knows stall 10 is the favorite draw and we’re not too far away.”
Outsider God’s Window has been drawn in 10 this year, while impressive Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes winner Ambiente Friendly must overcome stall 6, just as North Light did 20 years ago.
Other fancied hopes Macduff and Bellum Justum have been drawn in stalls 8 and 12, respectively, with a final field of 16 declared Thursday.
Oisin Murphy, who rides Bellum Justum, said: “I’m fond of the horse and let’s see what he can do, but I’m happy with his draw and I’m not worried.”
