Camelot: would prefer faster ground at the Curragh, according to trainer

PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos), BY TONY O’HEHIR 9:51 AM 29 JUN 2012

AIDAN O’BRIEN said on Friday that the ground at the Curragh will “not be ideal” for Camelot when he bids for his second Derby victory in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (7.40) on Saturday.

Camelot stormed to success in the Investec Derby at Epsom earlier this month under the trainer’s son Joseph and and the pair are a best-priced 3-10 with Paddy Power to follow up at the Curragh on Saturday.

However, O’Brien, speaking on RTE Radio, said his superstar colt would prefer faster ground.

He said: “There is a concern that the ground [at the Curragh] won’t be ideal for Camelot.

“He did win the 2,000 Guineas on slow ground but it was fast when he won at Epsom. The more it dries out the better it will be for him.”

O’Brien is responsible for three of the seven horses declared for the Irish Derby and he added that Imperial Monarch will join stablemates Camelot and Astrology in the line-up, providing a minor issue with a foot does not materialise.

O’Brien added: “When we were shoeing Imperial Monarch this morning there was a slight pulse in one of his feet. Hopefully, it won’t develop into anything.”

The ground at the Curragh is soft, heavy in places following 4mm of rain overnight and further showers are forecast.