Camelot back in the Arc arena
Failing in the calculated gamble of the third leg of the Triple Crown, St Leger Stakes, the Aidan O’Brien trained, Camelot, suffered defeat at the hands of the Godolphin owned, Encke. The first bruise on his unbeaten record was coupled with the failure to achieve what Nijinsky accomplished in 1970.
The loss cost him the betting perspectives for the Arc next month as the trainer seemed highly doubtful about racing his under charge yet again during the same season. It was being expected that Camelot’s connections would call it a day for the 2012 campaign.
O'Brien said: "I'm not sure if he'll run again this year. If I thought there was a chance he was going to stay in training next season he might not run”.
Right after the Triple Crown loss, and the high uncertainty about Montjeu’s three-year-old bay colt’s participation in the Arc at Longchamp, the market leader’s position was taken over by the winner of the 2011 edition of the race, Danedream.
The German bay filly won the honour in companionship with jockey, A. Starke. She is joined by the Japanese racing star, Orfevre, in the limelight options for the race.
However, it did not take long for the connections to launch their under charge back into the Arc picture and make him the hub for betting activity.
Richard Thomas, spokesman for Williamhill said, “It looks now that we could have an Arc with a strong three year old challenge, as the winners of the English, French and Irish versions of the Derby could be in the final line up. Whether Camelot and Saonois are good enough to beat the likes of defending champion Danedream, and Japanese Triple Crown winner, Orfevre is another matter.”
There is a mixed reaction on the comeback of the recent Triple Crown contender in the mainstream betting affair. His stable mate, St Nicholas Abbey, is being considered a better opting by some, while yet more think that the Aidan O’Brien conditioned might not even be in form to get placed in the French challenge.
The time gap between the St Leger and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe seems insufficient and a reason that the connections will rant on in case Camelot suffers the second defeat of his career. Winning the Arc after being at St Leger contestant is no small deal to tackle, the distance and the short duration in between does take its toll.
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