Camelot Towers Over Investec Derby Rivals
Although there have been pleasing performances from a number of horses in the various Investec Derby trials in Britain and Ireland, over the last few weeks, it seems few punters have been sufficiently impressed to take on the red hot favourite, Camelot, an impressive winner of the Qipco 2000 Guineas, earlier this month, writes Elliot Slater.
The general consensus of opinion is that Aidan O’Brien’s imposing colt won the first colts’ classic of the 2012 campaign despite the mile trip, not because of it, having needed every yard of the trip to see off the persistent challenge from the smart French Fifteen, the pair coming readily away from their rivals on both sides of the course.
Camelot’s pedigree strongly suggests that a mile-and-a-half is the ideal trip for the son of Montjeu, so his ability to win over a mile at the highest level may only serve to strengthen his claim to being the outstanding Epsom candidate, having not only the requisite stamina, but also plenty of pace and a change of gear to boot.
Camelot’s biggest danger at Epsom may well prove to be the undulating and unique track itself, rather than the opposition, amongst whom Andrew Balding’s recent Group 2 Dante Stakes winner, Bonfire, looks the most serious rival to Camelot, if he does indeed justify his current 5/6 favouritism in the blue riband event, on June 2.
A growing number of observers believe that Camelot may well go for the legendary Triple Crown, a feat that no horse has achieved since the mighty Nijinsky, in 1970. The development would surely be one for the horse racing history books.
All reports from Ballydoyle indicate that the horse owned in partnership by John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith has done well since his victory on the Rowley Mile, and a growing sense of anticipation is building up, ahead of his bid to land his second classic prize of the season.
Race-goers hoping to gamble on the Investec Derby should begin their preparations by visiting the Royal Ascot betting tips website.
