Camelot on course for Triple Crown bid in 2012 St Leger

KILDARE, IRELAND - JUNE 30: Joseph O'Brien riding Camelot win The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at Curragh racecourse on June 30, 2012 in Kildare, Ireland. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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Aidan O'Brien is leaving nothing to chance in his bid to win all five English Classics in one season and has eleven entries for the 2012 St Leger at Doncaster on September the 15th. But even that feat will be secondary on the day as all yes will be on Camelot as he bids for a place in racing folklore.

The unbeaten Coolmore colt is one of 36 entries left in the mile and three quarter contest as he bids to become the first winner of the English Triple Crown since Nijinsky in 1970.

Camelot is unbeaten in five starts so far, as he followed up two juvenile victories, including the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster, with a neck success in the 2000 Guineas. He then claimed the Epsom Derby in terrific style before an attritional victory in the Irish Derby in torrid conditions.

In that Curragh win the son of Montjeu looked like he would have no trouble coping with longer distances and he has been a prohibitive price for the final leg of the Triple Crown ever since.

He is now a best-priced 2-5 favourite with sponsors Ladbrokes and Betvictor, but his task looks no easier at least as all of his major rivals have stood their ground at this stage.  

Speaking after the entries were revealed, the managing director of Doncaster Racecourse, Mark Spincer, was looking forward to a historic occasion:

"We are very excited that the 2012 Ladbrokes St Leger is panning out to be a moment in history, with the unbeaten Camelot aiming to become the first Triple Crown winner since Nijinsky 42 years ago."

"The quality and breadth of the entries is very pleasing. John Gosden, trainer of the Ladbrokes St Leger winner for the last two years, has made five entries for the 2012 Classic, including the in-form Great Heavens, Michelangelo and Shantaram.

"It is also excellent news to see an entry, Estimate, from Her Majesty The Queen and we would be delighted to welcome the owner at Doncaster."

"It is all systems go at Doncaster Racecourse and we've experienced a surge in ticket sales since Camelot won the Derby and then again following his victory in the Irish Derby."

"A sell-out crowd is expected and plans are in place to deal with full capacity. We are in discussions with the council about expanding into additional areas if necessary."

Mike Dillon of Ladbrokes added: "The very high quality of this year's entries confirms the renaissance of the St Leger. The 2012 St Leger is shaping into one of the best renewals in recent memory which is very exciting."

O'Brien, already successful three times in the St Leger with Milan (2001), Brian Boru (2003) and Scorpion (2005), has also entered Grand Prix De Paris scorer Imperial Monarch (best-priced 12-1 with the sponsors) and Derby third Astrology.

Henry Cecil, a four-time winner of the St Leger, has his best chance for many years in the shape of King Edward VII Stakes one-two, Thomas Chippendale (14-1 with Ladbrokes) and Noble Mission (20-1).

Thomas Chippendale looked a most progressive colt at Royal Ascot and Barry Simpson, racing manager to his owner Robert Ogden, is hoping the colt is good enough to make the Doncaster line-up:

"We have two races in mind for him, the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood and the Great Voltigeur at York and at the moment he will probably run at York. He would have to win or be a very unlucky loser in either of those races to warrant going for the St Leger." 
Noble Mission will always be known as Frankel's brother but he has done little wrong on the racecourse despite not having anything like his illustrious sibling's talent and would be an interesting contender.

The Irish challenge is not limited to the O'Brien battalions as Light Heavy, third in the Irish Derby last time and John Oxx's Curragh Gold Cup winner Hartani are other possible challengers.


 


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Camelot on course for Triple Crown bid in 2012 St Leger

Aidan O'Brien is leaving nothing to chance in his bid to win all five English Classics in one season and has eleven entries for the 2012 St Leger at Doncaster on September the 15th. But even that feat will be secondary on the day as all yes will be on Camelot as he bids for a place in racing folklore.

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