“Nothing less than wild success will cause the City of Troy to retire to study a true great man” – Richard Burch answers big questions on a big day

What’s the big story?

Racing fans either love the Breeders Cup or hate it. If you like it you will be obsessed City of Troy claim greatness by winning the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (9.41).

If you don’t like that, then you’re more likely than usual to be tempted to tune in and see if Aidan O’Brien’s four-time Group 1 winner can live up to the extraordinary expectations that surrounded him in the lead-up to the match.

Derby hero City Of Troy is likely to start 15-8 favorite under Ryan Moore, defeat 13 opponents and secure the Grade 1 dirt race that has so far eluded his record-breaking trainer.

This is no easy task, despite City Of Troy’s market position. Will it work on dirt? Some say he will; others say he won’t.

History may be against him, but there is no one better suited to rewrite history than O’Brien.

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Can City Of Troy be truly great?

Greatness is measured in many different ways and is open to many different interpretations by different people.

Personally, I lost a fair amount of interest in the colt when he was beaten ninth out of 11 after a Distinguished Speech in the 2000 Guineas.

He established himself as a mid-range player with stunning landing ability at the Derby, was thoroughly unimpressive at 1-4 at the Eclipse and took full advantage of Moore’s lead run at the Juddmont International.

With the exception of third-placed Los Angeles at Epsom, the Derby kit has been devalued more times than the pound against the dollar following various British government decisions in recent years.

Others will disagree, but nothing less than Del Mar’s wild success will see City Of Troy retire to become a true great. Let’s see.

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Who will win the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (2.58) in Wetherby?

Bravemansgame does not attract attention at a very low price.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Chaser was beaten in this race last year by Gentlemansgame, whose official rating on the day was 154, and has not won since.

Gordon Elliott mixed will enter the competition with an official rating of 167 next to his name, and he will enjoy this left-handed test.

His performance against many of the top Irish hunters looks good and he gets my vote.

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Can Chianti Classico challenge the top division at Sodexo Live at Ascot! Handicap Chase (3.45)?

Yes. He still looks good at 152 and it’s hard to forget when he crashed in Ultima.

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What’s the best bet of the day?

Charming guy for his success at Pontefract he was raised only 3 pounds. He promises he will get even better on a longer trip to Newmarket Nurseries 1m1f (1.42).

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Read the following:

Harry Wilson has named three winners in his latest column – find out his tips for all ten races live on ITV on Saturday.

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