Camelot ridden by jockey Joseph O'Brien wins the Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes during the QIPCO 2000 Guineas Day at Newmarket Racecourse, Newmarket.

Derby distance will suit Camelot

Simon Jackson, London24 horse racing correspondent
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
9:44 AM

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Camelot is now odds-on with many bookmakers for the Epsom Derby next month after his tenacious neck victory in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday.

Camelot was held up in the rear by jockey Joseph O’Brien, the son trainer Aidan O’Brien, and the Montjeu colt still had plenty to do approaching the two furlong marker but fought well to best French raider Flying Fifteen in the closing stages.

The victory was the first classic success for the younger O’Brien who believes that his charge will benefit from the step up in distance from the mile of the 2,000 Guineas, as he prepares for the Derby which is contested over 12 furlongs.

“He has a lot of class and he has a lot of speed,” Joseph O’Brien said. “I was really happy going through the race and he was nice and relaxed and I always thought he was going to get there even before we got to the last hundred yards. It is his first run of the season and hopefully he will come on for that.

“I didn’t get the best of runs through. I was a long way back but he was very relaxed and he will be a lot better horse going a bit further.”