The “edgy” City of Troy is all there is to talk about here, the tension is almost palpable.

Tiznow or never. It seems to be the San Diego vibe of a popular tournament favorite. Breeders’ Cup Classicwho interferes in every conversation, no matter where you are or what you are doing.

“Are you here from the city of Troy?” an older man asked at the urinal next to mine in the restroom at the Double Tree by Hilton hotel where I was staying, right after I checked in. “If Aidan O’Brien doesn’t do it this year, he never will.” “, he added.

The taxi driver who took me there seemed to speak little English, but somehow he was able to say City of Troy as a lecturer at Oxford. One pint of Pacifico had been consumed before bed, and the three locals at the next table spent a good ten minutes debating whether he would do it or not. One couldn’t believe he was the morning line favorite, the other couldn’t believe he wasn’t shorter. After a heated debate, they agreed to disagree.