Camelot buzzing with the highest of chances for striking the Investec Derby
The Group 1 Investec Derby will be hosted by Epsom over a mile, four furlongs and ten yards on Saturday, 2nd June. Out of the six entries that trainer Aidan O’Brien had entered initially, his representation has simmered down to the two best, Astrology
and the favourite, Camelot.
The line-up up of nine three-year-olds will contest for the £751,408 prize money. A pair from the Andrew Balding stables includes Bonfire and Minimise Risk.
Montjeu’s three-year-old colt enjoys an unbeaten record that comprises of three wins. In less than a year the Tarfah foaled has won two graded races and those too Grade 1s. All his races had him entered as the favourite.
The 1/3 cleared his maiden on 14th July, 2011 at Leopardstown over a mile while riding with Joseph O’Brien.
Very few get a chance to race a Grade 1 right after their maiden but then Camelot is distinct in more than one way. The bay colt won the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy (Entire Colts & Fillies) on 22nd October at Doncaster over a mile.
The 10/11 favourite yet again had the stable jockey along and led the runner up of the race, Zip Top, by 2 ¼ lengths. Coming at terms with the third position was Fencing.
Not that what Camelot had claimed during the previous season did not matter much, but the spectacle that he pulled off as the seasonal debut got him into an altogether different league.
His unprecedented success got him the Group 1 Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes on 5th May at Newmarket over a mile. The 15/8 favourite remained at par with the expectations and held back French Fifteen from the wire by a mere neck’s difference.
The victory gave Aidan O’Brien more than one reason for celebrating. He had both the 1000 and the 2000 Guineas under his belt. How lucky he gets with the Epsom’s two day meeting will not take long to unfold.
The most threatening entry for Aidan O’Brien’s under charge is Bonfire trained by Andrew Balding. He is the only entry who can turn the fate of the race.
However, Camelot is not only the betting favourite for the race but also an inevitable champion already.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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