Racing: Red-hot favourite only fourth

Cheval De Troy is not a 2400m horse.

That was the consensus among his connections after the hottest Derby favourite in more than a decade finished fourth at Ellerslie yesterday.

Bloodstock agent Stu Hale, who manages the Cheval De Troy syndicate, said the colt would not be required to run 2400m again.

"There are plenty of races like the Australian Cup and the Kelt Capital for him."

Hale said Cheval De Troy's Derby effort reminded him of Russian Pearl a year ago.

"He [Russian Pearl] finished sixth and just didn't stay the trip. But look at him now - he's one of the best horses in Hong Kong."

Rider Opie Bosson felt Cheval De Troy had every chance.

"He pulled a little early, but I don't think that cost him.

"I had to pull him out and take off a fraction earlier than I would have liked, but I had to because the back markers were coming around the outside.

"I couldn't afford to get boxed in."

Bosson said the colt felt good even in the home straight, but the explosive sprint which underpinned his Bonecrusher Stakes victory last start was missing.

"He sprinted, but it wasn't the same sprint.

"He changed legs a lot in the final part.

"He had his chance."

Fifty per cent owner Peter Walker said he was convinced Cheval De Troy is too sharp to run 2400m successfully.