Camelot is a best-priced 4/6 favourite with Blue Square to win the 2012 Epsom Derby for trainer Aidan O’Brien and his jockey son Joseph.
Get a best priced 4/6 on Camelot winning the Epsom Derby at Blue Square now.
By the same sire, Montjeu, as last year’s Derby hero Pour Moi, only eight rivals stand in the way of a Classic double for Camelot after he landed the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket last month.
He steps up half a mile in distance but O’Brien, who holds the horse in the highest regard, is confident he will cope with this very different examination.
Betfred will be paying double the odds on Camelot if he wins by four lengths or more and that is an offer that will make plenty of appeal to his followers.
“With Camelot I suppose it was always one race at a time. We really hope we put him to different tests and he is able to pass them,” said O'Brien.
“He always has been a very special horse, from the time he was born, and we are very lucky to have him.
“For the future of the breed, they have to sit the exams and do the big tests. Everyone said a son of Montjeu had never won a Guineas, it was a big ask for him and history is very hard to change, but we are very lucky he sat it (the exam) and passed it.
“History and stats aren't here for no reason and that what makes him very unique - that he went in there and performed.”
Camelot is not the only O'Brien-trained runner in the field with Chester’s Dee Stakes victor Astrology a horse with major place claims at least in the hands of Ryan Moore.
Both Derby runners have had the benefit of working round a replica of the famous Epsom Tattenham Corner at Ballydoyle.
O’Brien added: “That’s a definite advantage, a massive facility to have - a massive help really.”
Epsom Derby runners and riders with best odds available
7 Minimise Risk (Jamie Spencer) – 100/1 at
Stan James8 Rugged Cross (Dane O’Neill) – 50/1 at
BetVictor9 Thought Worthy (William Buick) – 16/1 at
Coral