MASSIVE PRESSURE FOR BALLYDOYLE: It doesn’t get any bigger that this. Aidan O’Brien goes into the Epsom Derby with an odds-on favourite and strong second contender. Can Camelot follow up the success of Was in the Oaks at Epsom on Friday?
Even for Aidan O’Brien, today is massive. There’s a huge weight of expectation on his and son Joseph’s young shoulders this afternoon as Camelot bids to remain unbeaten and justify odds-on favouritism in a race that they have ‘only’ managed to win twice.
Galileo and High Chaparral have been O’Brien’s previous winners and they seem a long time ago, no doubt too long in the mind of O’Brien.
But today is so much more than gaining a third win in the race. Today is about confirmation. Confirmation in the belief that Camelot is an extra special racehorse about to enter the elite hall of fame.
It’s also about seeing your son win, for what many still believe, is the greatest flat race in the world.
There are so many stats flying around that can be used negatively. The fate of odds on favourites in the race, Joseph O’Briens lack of experience at the idiosyncratic Epsom, the fact he was out of the frame on Maybe in the Oaks yesterday and Camelot’s own ability to get the trip.
You can chew over those stats but the reality is that this is a weak renewal of the Derby and Camelot could simply win this by default of being a great Derby horse in an ordinary year and follow in the steps of Sea The Stars who also completed the Guineas – Derby double in 2009.
There are dangers, not least of which stable companion Astrology and Andrew Balding’s Bonfire who won the Dante Stakes at York – traditionally a great trial.
But today I expect to be Camelot’s day of glory and for us to see a bit of magic at 4pm this afternoon.
There will be no greater confidence boost for Joseph O’Brien than by winning the Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup on St Nicholas Abbey over the Derby trip at 2.40. They suffered a shock defeat at the hands of stable mate Windsor Palace at the Curragh last time but should do better here on better ground and I expect St Nicholas Abbey to win the race again.
SHAMROCK’S BETS:
NAP: Camelot (4.00 Epsom)
NEXT BEST: St Nicholas Abbey (2.40 Epsom)
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