Camelot to face eight rivals in Triple Crown bid

Camelot wins the Investec Derby in June. Now Triple Crown glory beckons at Doncaster. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

On ratings there can only be one winner of the 2012 Ladbrokes St Leger.

In a year when the three-year-old colts have lacked much strength in depth, Camelot towers above his rivals in his quest for the Guineas-Derby-St Leger Triple Crown, a feat last achieved by the legendary Nijinsky in 1970.

Just one question needs to be answered – will he stay the extended mile and three-quarters trip?

John Gosden is the trainer with the best recent record in the race having won it for the last two years and he saddles no less than three of Camelot’s opponents – Thought Worthy, winner of the Great Voltigeur last time out and the choice of stable jockey William Buick, Michelangelo, who will be blinkered for the first time in the hands of Frankie Dettori, and pacemaker Dartford.

The tactics are clear – exploit any weakness in Camelot’s stamina. And there will be several fancying their chances if that weakness can be found.

Main Sequence, runner-up in the Investec Derby and again in the Voltigeur, looks sure to relish the extra distance, as do the main Gosden pair.

Ursa Major and Guarantee have both already won over this trip, while Thomas Chippendale and Encke both aspire to.

It promises to be a fascinating race with a frenetic pace guaranteed.

Everyone thought Shergar was a certainty for the St Leger in 1981 after his facile Derby success, but he could not last home.

Can Camelot pull it off? Trainer Aidan O’Brien and his son Joseph in the saddle will certainly be hoping so.

Make sure you tune in at 3.40pm on Saturday afternoon when the Ladbrokes St Leger will be live on Channel 4 and satellite channel At The Races.

For the full race details and line-up, CLICK HERE.