Not since 1970 has there been such a buzz before the running of England's oldest classic race, the St. Leger. This is due to the possibility that the 2012 renewal of the race can throw up a rare Triple Crown winner.

Believed to have been the brainchild of Col. Anthony St. Leger, the event was first contested over 2 miles (3200 m.) in 1776 at Cantley Common before being moved to its current home on Town Moor, a vast expanse on the East side of the Yorkshire town of Doncaster. The inaugural running of the race was won by Lord Rockingham's Allabaculia (by Sampson), who acquired her name after her victory – she started as an unnamed filly!

Subsequently the distance was shortened slightly and the race is currently contested over 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 132 yards (equivalent to 2,937 m.). Because it constitutes the third and final leg of the traditional Triple Crown, there is heightened anticipation in the years when the winner of the same year's 2000 Guineas and Derby is in the field. And, of course, there is heightened esteem for the exceptional equine that successfully completes the treble.

The first occasion for such admiration occurred in 1853, when West Australian (by Melbourne), triumphed and subsequently the likes of Gladiateur, Lord Lyon, Ormonde, Common, Isinglass, Galtee More, Flying Fox, Rock Sand, Pommern, Gay Crusader and Gainsborough claimed the crown in the fifty-odd years between 1865 and 1918.

Following that halcyon period, only two – Bahram (by Blandford) in 1935 and Nijinsky (by Northern Dancer) in 1970 – have proved capable of surmounting the numerous hurdles that have to be traversed to become a Triple Crown winner, not least of which is the commercial consideration that makes owners of colts reluctant to even try. That apart, the horse has to have an exceptional combination of speed, stamina, temperament, soundness and consistency. No wonder it is a feat that is hard to pull off!

When Nashwan (by Blushing Groom) annexed the first two legs in 1989, he was targeted at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe instead (he never ran), prompting a furore in the British press. The editor of The Sporting Life was reported as having written: "The decision to chicken out of running in the St. Leger to try to complete the treasured Triple Crown defies any sporting explanation… It's a shame Nashwan's brave heart is not matched by that of his owner." Strong words, indeed!

Since then only Sea The Stars (by Cape Cross) in 2009 has been in a position to complete the quest – and his connections too chose the "Arc", admittedly with happy results. His trainer, John Oxx, while admitting his belief in the Triple Crown had an explanation, feeling that the St. Leger might be "a bridge too far for this fellow."  

Given this scenario, it has been a long time – 42 years – since the feat has even been attempted. Full marks, then, to the Coolmore team of Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael Tabor for making it clear, several weeks ago, that aiming their top class unbeaten colt Camelot (by Montjeu) to the St. Leger was on the agenda as the horse's next objective.

Coincidentally, Charles Englehard's hero, Nijinsky, whom this writer saw at Claiborne Farm in 1971, was  sent out from Cashel's Ballydoyle Stables in Ireland, and Camelot is an inmate of the same yard. Of course, with over four decades having elapsed since, the identity of the resident trainer has changed: the current master of Ballydoyle is now Aidan O'Brien, who is incidentally not related to his famed predecessor, Vincent O'Brien.

It may be recalled that after a light campaign of two appearances in his juvenile year, Camelot has been seen in public only thrice this year – all in Classics. With the trainer's son, Joseph, on board, he has won all his starts, his 2012 haul including the Qipco 2000 Guineas, the Investec Derby and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. Young Joseph will continue his association with Camelot.

Eight rivals will attempt to halt his triumphant march in Saturday's St. Leger, sponsored by the bookmaking firm, Ladbrokes. Not that any one expects Camelot to lose, with bookmakers quoting him at niggardly odds, as low as 1-4, despite the fact that he is being asked a question relating to his stamina. In racing, it's wise to remember that there is never any such thing as a "sure thing".

In the plus column is the fact that his sire, Montjeu, was an above-average champion, a splendid vehicle for transmission of merit, and a strong influence for stamina. Also ticking the right box is that fact that Camelot's dam, Tarfah, was pretty high class, with a Gr.3 win to her credit. Added to that is the colt's fabulous temperament – he has been a true professional since he first entered the yard – and his experience over the track, the site of his victory in the Racing Post Trophy last October.

On the negative side, there is not much to say: although Camelot's maternal grandsire, Kingmambo, was no more than a miler, while the next maternal grandsire, Danehill, was a sprinter, both have passed on ample reserves of stamina on many an occasion and there is no reason to suspect that they will fail their illustrious descendant here. Also, Camelot's best Racing Post rating of 128 is not indicative of his being a "world beater". And there has to be a reason why he has faced the starter just five times in two seasons.

That said, there is still a horse race to be run and trainer John Gosden, whose stable has been in rip-roaring form this season, and who has won three of the last five St. Legers, will send out a pair of good class runners in the race – Thought Worthy (by Dynaformer) and Michelangelo (by Galileo). The former is bred to stay, has annexed his trial – the Great Voltigeur Stakes – and will be ridden by stable jockey William Buick, while the latter has the services of Frankie Dettori, never to be discounted, in the saddle. Gosden also has the 300-1 Dartford (by Giant's Causeway) engaged.

Not to be neglected is Frankel's stablemate, Thomas Chippendale (by Dansili), triumphant in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot earlier this year. A victory for this colt would be very popular as he is owned by a Yorkshireman in Sir Robert Ogden, and is trained by the maestro of Warren Place, Sir Henry Cecil.

Runner-up to Camelot at Epsom (albeit 5 lengths in arrears), Main Sequence (by Aldebaran) from David Lanigan's yard will attempt to gain revenge. Also in the field are Ursa Major (by Galileo), coming off a hat trick culminating in a courageous victory in the Gain Horse Feeds Irish St. Leger Trial Stakes, and the improving handicapper, Guarantee (by Authorized), also aiming to record his fourth win in a row.

Interestingly, Ballydoyle is not running a pacemaker. So Dartford is almost sure to make the early running to try and test any stamina-related chinks in Camelot's armour. Unless the extraordinary happens, Camelot should prove worthy of the exalted status in which he is held by his admirers and bring Joy to the Turf, while carving for himself his own special niche in history.