Triple Crown not out of equation for Derby favourite Camelot
Published:Only the great Nijinksy has completed the Triple Crown since the Second World War, but it is just 3/1 that Camelot achieves the feat this season.
Stage one of the treble has been successfully negotiated as Camelot repelled the challenge of French Fifteen to land the 2,000 Guineas by a neck, albeit it did seem that he triumphed with a bit in hand.
The 2,000 Guineas always seemed to be less suited to the horse than June’s Derby at Epsom, with Camelot’s breeding suggesting that he would have more to give over middle distances than over 1m at Newmarket.
Jockey Joseph O’Brien said after the race that Camelot would appreciate a step up in trip, while father and trainer Aiden added that the Derby was certainly on the horse’s agenda.
Meanwhile, the victory in the 2,000 Guineas was secured on soft ground, with all parties believing that Camelot would not only improve over an increased trip, but also on a firmer surface.
Camelot is now 5/4 in the Derby odds to emulate Sea The Stars in 2009 by completing the same Group One double.
Furthermore, his success as a two-year-old in the Racing Post Trophy bodes well for a Derby success,
The Triple Crown is arguably not as lucrative as in the past, particularly with no bonus on offer for any horse achieving the rare feat.
However, the opportunity to seal a place in the record books may tempt O’Brien to also enter Camelot in the St Leger, especially if he wins the Derby.
Early attitudes are that the horse could stay 1m6f, although no Derby winner since Reference Point in 1987 has ever even attempted to double up in the St Leger.
