Oxx can empathise with the pressure Camelot team is under
The Ballydoyle colt has been victorious in both the Newmarket 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby, and looks destined for a tilt at the Doncaster St Leger that would secure a first Triple Crown since Nijinsky in 1970.
Oxx had his own prodigy in Sea The Stars, who also managed the English 2000 Guineas/Derby double in 2009 before concluding a career that included six Group 1s by winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
The Curraghbeg handler recalls the anxiety that comes with the type of expectation that surrounds the presumption of success.
“You’re never relaxed,” said Oxx yesterday. “There has been a lot of hype about Camelot right through the winter and spring; since last year really. They’d be anxious that he fulfil his destiny as they see it and if he’s to take his place amongst the greats he has to keep winning.
“It’s the same for the connections of Frankel. I remember with Sea The Stars, the Arc was a very unpleasant experience until 4pm. But you wouldn’t swap it for anything.
“It’s the first time since Nijinsky that a Derby and Guineas winner was at the Curragh so it’s a great opportunity for people to see a potential Triple Crown winner. Nashwan didn’t come, Sea The Stars didn’t because of the ground, so it’s an unusual situation.”
A foot abscess has ruled Call To Battle out but Oxx is still likely to be two-handed courtesy of Akeed Mofeed and Born To Sea. The latter is a three-parts brother of Sea The Stars who has yet to run further than a mile. He is also facing a quick turnaround, having finished a staying on fourth in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot nine days ago. But Oxx is not overly concerned.
“He’s got his brother’s constitution. He eats, he doesn’t worry and racing doesn’t bother him. He’s thriving from race to race. That’s why we’re tempted to run him on Sunday. I have to confirm it with the owner, but it’s more than likely that he will take his chance.
“He’s improving nicely and is quite settled now. Moving from a mile to one-and-a-half is a little risk, particularly with soft ground but then I don’t think anyone in the race wants soft ground.”
