Camelot heading with strong chances for the Investec Epsom Derby in June
Camelot, Montjeu’s three-year-old bay colt out of mare, Tarfah, redefined excellence by not only striking a hat trick through the straight third career start rather accomplished it with bagging one of the most prestigious races on the British calendar. He
won the Group 1 Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes (204th Running) (British Champions Series) on 5th May at Newmarket over a mile.
This height of success was not expected from the three-year-old but he did not wait for very long to prove himself and got the name among the top contenders for the Triple Crown, which was the least of the expectations of the connections.
Besides winning the 2000 Guineas, Camelot comes from a crystal clear background that only displays victories.
O'Brien said on Sunday: "He was back home in his box at Ballydoyle by 9.30pm on Saturday evening. He had a walk out this morning and had a pick of grass, and he seems absolutely fine. He has a very good mind for a Montjeu and has coped with it all very well.
"The Derby is the obvious target and if all goes well he goes to Epsom. He won't have another run beforehand."
Despite all the negative stats and vibes, the three-year-old has become one of the brightest prospects for the Investec Epsom Derby that is scheduled for the 2nd of June.
Not only did the young colt perform remarkably but even the eighteen-year-old jockey, J. P. O’Brien guided the mount through the track meticulously. The two stayed in the rear for most of the race and then bulleted towards the last two furlongs of the race.
The runner up, French Fifteen, ended the race only at a neck’s margin.
His second career start was also in a very important race. Camelot won the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy (Entire Colts & Fillies) on 22nd October at Doncaster over a mile. He was entered as the 10/11 favourite and led by 2 ¼ lengths.
Concluding the race closest to the winner was Zip Top and taking up the third position was Fencing.
His ability to dominate important races is already out in the open but this time the connections will have to show more faith in their three-year-old. However they will need to keep in mind that the Derby will be packed with much more talent.
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