Camelot stays in training
Sunday 7 October 2012
Connections of Camelot are looking forward to another big season next year after a long campaign took its toll on the dual Derby winner in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.
Aidan O'Brien's colt was given every chance by Frankie Dettori and briefly threatened to take a hand in the finish, but he emptied out close home and could fare no better than seventh behind Solemia.
"He's something for us to look forward to next season, as he will remain in training. Hopefully he has a good winter and he could be something unbelievable next year," said the Ballydoyle handler.
"It was very sporting of the lads to let him run, but he wants fast ground. Joseph (O'Brien) has always said he is a better horse on quicker ground and it's been a long, hard season. He's also come back minus two or three shoes.
"We've stretched him in every way, pulled him left, pulled him right and an elastic band can only stretch so long at any time. Hopefully it will all go back together now and he's going to be something really special next year.
"As far as St Nick (St Nicholas Abbey, 11th) is concerned, he will now go to Santa Anita for another crack at the Breeders' Cup."
Dettori said: "It was just a long season took its toll. I had a perfect trip and he took me beautifully into the straight on the bridle, but just as soon I knew we were in trouble and in fairness to the horse he's been going for some time since the Guineas."
The John Gosden-trained Great Heavens ran a creditable race in sixth, having only been supplemented on Thursday in the enforced absence of her brother Nathaniel.
The trainer said: "It's very tough taking on the older horses, but I couldn't be happier with her. She ran her heart out. It's entirely the owner's decision (on whether she will stay in training)."
Sir Michael Stoute's Sea Moon was eighth and the trainer said: "For a good-actioned horse he doesn't want the ground as puddingy as that. Ryan (Moore) said he never felt smooth on it at any point."
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