Camelot’s Los Angeles Remains Unbeaten In Derby Trial

Los Angeles (3c Camelot – Frequential, by Dansili) confirmed himself a leading contender for the Epsom Derby when extending his unbeaten record in the Group 3 Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial at Leopardstown.

Aidan O’Brien’s charge took a huge step forward from his debut win in September to land the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud the following month and was sent off favourite to follow up on his seasonal return. Chasing the leaders under Wayne Lordan, the son of Camelot produced a challenge two furlongs from home and was ridden to lead a furlong later. He stayed on well to beat stablemate Euphoric by a length, while Taraj (Churchill) finished third.

“He’s very exciting,” Ballydoyle representative Chris Armstrong said after the race. “He’s a big horse but he’s a beautiful mover and he’s got the right mind. You could see him walking around the paddock beforehand, absolutely chilled and he has the same attitude at home.”

On the winner’s suitability for Epsom, Armstrong continued, “Camelot obviously went around there (Epsom) no problem and this horse has a lot of his good sire traits. He can travel away and the big improvement will be when he goes up to the mile and a half.”

Owned by Coolmore partners and Westerberg, Los Angeles headlined a four-timer on the card for Aidan O’Brien and Wayne Lordan. He is one of three Group performers by Camelot bred by Lynch Bages and Longfield Stud out of Frequential.