Camelot will have regular partner Joseph O'Brien on board for Derby
PICTURE: Getty ImagesJoseph O'Brien to ride Camelot in the Derby
AIDAN O'BRIEN on Thursday confirmed that his son Joseph would continue his partnership with red-hot favourite Camelot in the Investec Derby a week on Saturday.
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On the day after his son's 19th birthday, O'Brien, speaking by phone during Epsom's Breakfast With The Stars, said he was under no illusions about the size of the challenge Joseph and Camelot face as they bid to follow up their success in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas but their preparations were on target for Epsom where they could be joined by Astrology, Father Of Science, Imperial Monarch and Tower Rock.
"Everything is fine and went well so far," said O'Brien. "Camelot was always a special horse here from day one. When he went to his maiden he was a very short priced favourite. I was very happy with the Racing Post Trophy win and then the Guineas was his first big test. He was always a very exciting horse. He is very relaxed and very straightforward but very calm."
On course, Derby entries Minimise Risk and Rugged Cross both enjoyed spins round Tattenham Corner in preparation for the Classic.
Jimmy Fortune partnered Minimise Risk, who will be ridden by Jamie Spencer on the day, in a routine canter but admitted he was not in the same class as his Derby mount Bonfire. He was confident Bonfire's temperament would not be an issue in the Derby, dismissing concerns "as too much hype".
Jim Bolger confirmed his intention to run Parish Hall in Saturday's Irish 2,000 Guineas and Derby a week later. "I think he is good enough to win a Classic but he will come into his own over a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half."
John Gosden: Oaks contender
PICTURE: Edward WhitakerJohn Gosden and William Haggas also worked horses as they brought Masked Marvel and Beaten Up, both intended Coronation Cup starters, for spins round Epsom, while leaving their big Oaks hopes The Fugue and Vow in Newmarket.
Gosden said: "The Fugue was asked a big question at York. I hope this filly stays but if it starts raining we could be in trouble and that could be a rough old race down that hill. You need a bit of luck in running in those big fields."
Haggas said: "Vow is quite idle, a good mover, a good stayer but tries quite hard. She is quite idleat home so I have no idea how much she has come on from the Oaks trial. She is similar to Dancing Rain because she didn't look like an Oaks winner to me last year and it's a bit of a leap of faith."
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