City of Troy Pays Price for Slow Start in Breeders’ Cup Classic

City of Troy faded to fifth after a slow start in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic

Medina Spirit took the lead out of the gate in the 1 1/4-mile race Saturday at Del Mar in California. Hot Rod Charlie was second, followed by Knicks Go and Maxfield.

City of Troy settled in fifth, about 2 1/2 lengths off the early pace. He began to move up approaching the far turn but was still about five lengths behind the leaders entering the stretch.

The 4-year-old colt closed some ground in the final furlong but finished about 6 1/2 lengths behind Medina Spirit. The Bob Baffert-trained Medina Spirit covered the 1 1/4 miles in 1:59.71 and paid $11 to win as the 6-1 favorite.

The slow start was costly for City of Troy, who was favored to win the Classic

“He had a little trouble getting the lead, and that put him in a bad spot,” said trainer Brad Cox. “He made a nice run, but it just wasn’t enough.”

“He’s a good horse, and we’re proud of him,” Cox added. “But we know he can be better than this.”

City of Troy is now 0-for-3 in Grade 1 races

The son of Quality Road finished second in the Travers Stakes and third in the Kentucky Derby earlier this year.

“We’re going to take some time to regroup and figure out what’s next for him,” Cox said. “But we’re confident that he’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the future.”