Trojan War

Trojan War ran a cracker to finish second to Silverhand in the listed 12-furlong contest at The Curragh on Sunday. The choice of Johnny Murtagh from six Aidan O'Brien-trained representatives, the son of Montjeu quickly settled in second place behind a decent pace that was set by Magen's Star. Travelling well turning for home, Murtagh kicking him into the lead as they passed the three-furlong pole, and he quickly took two lengths out of his field. Moving over towards the far rail, he looked by far the most likely winner passing the two-furlong pole as everything else in behind came under pressure, but Silverhand began to stay on well out in the centre as Trojan War seemed to idle a little. He picked up again when Silverhand challenged, and he moved out into the centre of the track to join him, but the Noel Meade horse had all the momentum, and he surged past, with the front two pulling clear of their rivals.

This was a really game effort from Trojan War. Silverhand was noted here as one to follow when he finished second to Dani California in the Irish Cesarewitch last month and, although he was stepping up in grade, he was coming into the race on a high. Also, the fast pace played into the grey horse's hands. He was ridden in mid-division whereas Trojan War raced up with the pace. It is not insignificant that, of the five horses from the 13-strong field who raced handily from flagfall to the top of the home straight, Magen's Star, Roman Empress, Trojan War, Aliyfa and Von Jawlensky, only Trojan War managed to finish in the first six. This was just the fifth run of his life, and he can improve again from this, a career-best effort on ratings. Given the way the race was run, it is reasonable to assume that he is better than the bare form suggests.

11th October 2009

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