Can Al Musmak Defy His Outsider Status in the 2000 Guineas?

Can Al Musmak Defy His Outsider Status in the 2000 Guineas?

The son of Night Of Thunder, trained by Roger Varian, comes with impressive credentials including a victory in Haydock’s Ascendant Stakes and notable placements in other prestigious races.

Al Musmak is set to challenge his underdog status in the upcoming Qipco 2000 Guineas, making it a captivating event for followers of horse racing betting. Scheduled for next Saturday, the son of Night Of Thunder, trained by Roger Varian, comes with impressive credentials including a victory in Haydock’s Ascendant Stakes and notable placements in other prestigious races.

“A return to the Rowley Mile for the opening Classic of the season has always been the plan, and we’re happy to kick off his campaign in this big race," Varian noted about the decision to enter Al Musmak in the 2000 Guineas.

Discussing Al Musmak's preparations, Varian shared:

“It’s our intention to run Al Musmak in the 2000 Guineas and he’s training nicely at home. He’s got some very solid form from last year, finishing runner-up to Rosallion in the Pat Eddery Stakes and winning a strong Ascendant Stakes. Then he wasn’t beaten too far by the Clive Cox horse, Ghostwriter, when second in the Royal Lodge.”

Varian also highlighted Al Musmak's potential against the horse racing betting odds offered by bookmakers, who have him listed at 50/1 for the Guineas. The bookies understand that this is no easy ride, with City of Troy installed as the favourite and our tip for the 2000 Guineas. 

“He’s a 108-rated, strong performer and it’s always been our intention to go straight to a Guineas with him and we’re looking forward to doing that. He’s 108 not 118, so he needs to improve to bring home a 2000 Guineas. But he’s going into the race fresh, he’s wintered well and he looks a stronger horse – it’s not beyond him to run well,” he added.

In the context of his other potential contenders, Varian has yet to decide on the participation of either True Cyan or Elmalka in the following day’s Qipco 1000 Guineas. True Cyan recently finished fourth in the Nell Gwyn, and Elmalka was third in the Fred Darling Stakes, showing significant promise.

“Elmalka finished off really well (at Newbury). She was a bit green and hit a flat spot and I think she would have been nicely on top with another 100 yards, so it was a very good run and we were delighted with her,” said Varian. He concluded, “We’ve got no commitment on either at the moment and will see how they both train over the next seven days, then we will be in a better position come the time next week when we have to decide."

As the racing community buzzes with anticipation, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown at the Qipco 2000 Guineas, offering a golden opportunity for betting enthusiasts and fans alike to witness potential upsets and exhilarating performances.

2000 Guineas Betting Odds

HorseOdds
City Of Troy4/6
Rosallion4/1
Notable Speech8/1
Night Raider12/1
Iberian14/1
Task Force14/1
Ghostwriter14/1
Ancient Wisdom16/1
Alyanaabi16/1
Haatem20/1
Henry Longfellow25/1
Inisherin25/1
River Tiber33/1
Dancing Gemini40/1
Ten Bob Tony40/1
Diego Velazquez50/1
Bucanero Fuerte50/1
Al Musmak50/1
Eben Shaddad66/1
Ballymount Boy100/1
Sayedaty Sadaty100/1
The 2023 2000 Guineas race
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