City Of Troy unable to negotiate muddy track in California

 The $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic still ended up in Coolmoore's hands, with Sierra Leone (Flavien Pratt 5-1), having a ferocious ding-dong with Fierceness.

A champion on turf in Europe, City Of Troy (Ryan Moore 2-1), was plying to succeed where 17 horses from Ballydoyle had previously failed, but his quest for immortality ended almost as soon as it started.

Swamped after a sluggish start, the Derby winner was challenged by ground, as Derma Sotogake, Fierceness, and, Newgate, helped force a frantic early gallop. Ryan gradually switched City Of Troy to the outside of rivals to no avail - he could never bridge their accrued gap, having to settle for eighth place -13 lengths behind Sierra. Trainer, Chad Brown, was on cloud ninety-nine with this debut. Forever Young was best of three Japanese raiders, in third.

Aiden, who has never come closer to winning the Classic than when his first runner, Giant's Causeway, lost by a neck to Tiznow in 2000, was quick to shoulder the blame for City Of Troy's heavy defeat, lamenting his lack of early gumption. "He's grand," said Aiden of his fallen hero. "I just didn't have him prepared to come out of the stalls quickly enough. We thought he was quick but he got left. We've had the best fun with him, and, now just looking forward to off-spring."  

A lack of early speed has so often been Sierra Leone's Achilles heel, but on this occasion, the Kentucky Derby runner-up was able to reel in the leaders. "Chad always felt he was a great horse," said Flavien. "Every time I've ridden him previously, he's never had the required spunk. The whole trip went smoothly."

***

Starlust (Rossa Ryan 7-1), capped a magical year for Ralph Beckett, when causing an upset in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.  Less than a month after Bluestocking landed the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Starlust came with a daring run, although he had to survive an objection from Isivunguvungu's rider, Manny Franco. It did not take stewards long to dismiss the objection, with Ryan punching air waves.

Cogburn, billed as the 'fastest on earth', had no issues going front-wise, despite his draw in stall nine, but, Irad Ortiz seemed to be in a hurry. Cogburn soon lost his momentum. In contrast, Starlust had plenty of reserves, coming with an electric run. Ryan did have to manoeuvre Starlust around Cogburn in the closing stages, at which time he brushed past Isivunguvungu.

There was drama before the start when George Boughey's, Believing, reared up, throwing Ryan Moore out-side the back gates. Ryan emerged largely unscathed, but Believing was momentarily lodged in her stall before being freed by astute handlers. She was scratched from running, luckily escaping serious injury.

***

Rebel's Romance chalked seven wins at the highest levels, plumping his career earnings crashing through £9 million while busking the Breeders' Cup Turf, second time, under William Buick. In a modest tempo event, William stepped near the heels of Cabo Spirit, soon mustering control, to kick clear. Late charges from Rousham Park and Shahryar were not bothersome.