Son Of Camelot Wins Group 2 En Route To Melbourne Cup

Cleveland (5h Camelot - Venus de Milo, by Duke Of Marmalade) will be aimed at the Melbourne Cup after winning a key lead-up race on Saturday, the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup worth $750,000.

Nick and Lloyd Williams’ recruit finished strongly under James McDonald to beat 2019 Melbourne Cup victor Vow And Declare by three parts of a length. It marked a first win for Cleveland since joining the Kris Lees stable, having previously been Group-placed for Joseph O’Brien and won the valuable Chester Cup for Aidan O’Brien.

Speaking after the race, the winning rider said, “He curled up on the bend and gave a great turn of foot, he felt excellent. Onwards and upwards.”

Cleveland continues the Williams’ fruitful association with sire Camelot, having won the Group 1 Irish Derby with Latrobe (Camelot). Their latest winner was bred by Coolmore out of dual Group winner Venus de Milo, who placed at the highest level on multiple occasions.