Camelot: bids to maintain unbeaten record in Saturday's 2,000 Guineas.
PICTURE: Getty ImagesJoseph O'Brien has going concerns for Camelot
JOSEPH O'BRIEN has admitted the soft conditions at Newmarket are a concern for Camelot as the colt bids to maintain his unbeaten record in Saturday's Qipco 2,000 Guineas.
"There has to be a question mark over the ground. It's an unknown and there's a lot of top of the ground in his pedigree. He's a good moving horse and he'll be a better horse on faster ground.
"He's got plenty of boot, a high cruising speed and he's won a Racing Post Trophy, so I'm not too worried about the mile. He's come to hand and although it's his first run, he's ready for it." O'Brien told At The Races.
On the 1,000 Guineas favourite Maybe, he added: "She looked flawless last year, she never looked like getting beat. She's an uncomplicated, relaxed filly with a high cruising speed.
"You'd imagine the trip would be fine for her, she should get further in time and she's won on all kinds of ground so I don't see it as a major issue for her."
Born To Sea, a three-parts brother to Sea The Stars, is also on track for the 2,000 Guineas and his trainer John Oxx said: "He's made the expected progress from two to three and I'm happy with the way his preparation has gone.
"He was lame after the race at Leopardstown having torn a muscle, but hestill ran a good race. He has a good bit of ability, but we don't know how much.
"He's an idle homeworker, he keeps plenty for himself and we are throwing him in at the deep end but it'll tell us a lot. He's going straight there,rather than having a prep, and I just hope that's the right decision.
"He has the look of a miler, we'll take things one step at a time as he's only raced twice, but he's flexible with regards to the ground. I think he'll prefer a faster surface but I'd never pull him out because of the soft ground. He still has to prove he stays a mile."
On Derby hope Akeed Mofeed, Oxx added: "His target is the Derrinstown, if we can get him there in time. He's missed a bit of work but hopefully we can get him fit enough to get him there.
"It's the Derby trial in Ireland and there isn't much else for him, so it's that or nothing. He almost has to run at Leopardstown if we are going to get him to the Derby, so that's the aim."
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