Al Zarooni Set to Confirm Casamento Guineas Run

It appears as though Casamento (Shamardal) is set to take on the Qipco 2000 Guineas field over the Dante Stakes at York. Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford spoke to the media this morning and declared “there is a strong chance that he will run – we will know more in the next 12 hours.” The strengthening of Casamento's Guineas run prompted a sharp price drop on Betfair and the Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained colt can be backed at 15s on the exchange markets.

The 2010 Racing Post Trophy winner will also see Godolphin top jockey Frankie Dettori stay in the irons for this one, though it will be Al Zarooni's first race with his new charge. Casamento has beaten only once, by a head, and it came against fellow Guineas hopeful Pathfork (Distorted Humor) in his first step up to stakes level at the Curragh last September.

The Qipco 2000 Guineas will serve as the seasonal debut for Casamento who is already proven at 1m at Group 1 level. His breeding indicates that he should be able to handle a distance of ground at Epsom and this talented bay is certainly convincing some that he could be set to hand Sheikh Al Maktoum a unique double.

Regardless of his potential, Casamento must dispose of the seemingly-invincible Frankel (Galileo) who has been bet down to 4/9 in the ante post market with various bookmakers. The Henry Cecil-trained colt roared home in the Group 3 Greenham Stakes in his seasonal kick-off and it prompted plaudits from far and wide.

Frankel, however, is still yet to win at Group 1 level over 1m and that's where Casamento holds the advantage. Once the proper declaration is made for the Guineas on Wednesday, should Casamento remain in the running as he is expected to be, it could shape up to be a fascinating battle between him and Frankel.