On Track - Spring 2020 Edition

14 Danny O’Brien has trained the winners of the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup, so he knows a good horse when he sees one. That trio - Shamus Award, who made history when winning the Cox Plate as a maiden - Master O’Reilly, who triumphed in the Caulfield Cup and last year’s Flemington hero Vow and Declare - are all now indelibly etched in the record books as victors in Australia’s greatest races. But O’Brien believes that one horse in his care right now, Russian Camelot, can eclipse them all. The northern hemisphere bred son of Camelot has already scored twice at Group 1 level in just seven starts (in the SA Derby and the Underwood Stakes) and he is now aiming to pull off the Cox Plate - Melbourne Cup double last achieved by the great Makybe Diva in 2005. O’Brien made his view of the current Ladbrokes Cox Plate favourite’s talents crystal clear late last month after the Underwood triumph. ‘’I think he’s the best horse I’ve had anything to do with, particularly to do so much so early in his career,” O’Brien said. “He’s a magnificent colt and we’re thrilled that he’s got this done. Russian Camelot is looking to give Danny O’Brien his second W.S. Cox Plate victory RUSSIAN CAMELOT DESTINED TO BE KING OF THE CASTLE By Michael Lynch