Robin Oakley

Twelve for the Flat | 12 May 2012

issue 12 May 2012

The fittest horse wins the Guineas, the luckiest horse wins the Derby and the best horse wins the St Leger, goes the old saying. But not since Nijinsky in 1970 has any horse won all three. Many of those best qualified, like Mill Reef, have not attempted the feat. Since Nijinsky failed to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after running in the St Leger many top horses have swerved Britain’s least glamorous Classic for fear of prejudicing their chances in Paris. But the owners of Camelot, impressive winner of last weekend’s 2,000 Guineas for Aidan O’Brien and now favourite for the Derby, are thinking of bidding for the Triple Crown.

That could help make this year one of the most exciting Flat seasons ever. Not only is there that prospect of a Triple Crown bid but on the day Camelot won the crowds cheered an exercise gallop by the mighty Frankel, who resumes his career as a four-year-old still unbeaten.

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