'BOUNCING' CAMELOT PULLS UP WELL

Trainer Danny O’Brien says Russian Camelot has “been bouncing around all morning” and is still on track for the Cox Plate following his defeat in the Caulfield Stakes.

The rising star was beaten by Arcadia Queen in Saturday’s Group 1, drifting slightly from $3 to $3.30 with Sportsbet for the Cox Plate in the process.

It was the second time the four-year-old has tasted defeat this preparation but O’Brien said he was still happy with his performance.

“He’s pulled up super, he’s been bouncing around all morning,” O’Brien said.

“We were still really happy with his run yesterday, he was just beaten by a good horse who returned to her best form.”

O’Brien is confident that the Cox Plate will provide Russian Camelot with the tempo required for him to perform at his best.

“He’s definitely more suited in races with more pressure, so I think the Cox Plate will suit him perfectly,” he said.

“Yesterday was basically a leisurely gallop and then they just worked home strong which doesn’t suit him.”

If he can perform well in the Cox Plate, then it is very likely we will see him head towards the Melbourne Cup.

“It’s always been the aim to head there, so as long as he pulls up well, I think we still will,” he said.

By Adam McGrath for Racing.com

Pic by Racing Photos