Godolphin juggle Derby options

Godolphin’s Casamento could sidestep the Investec Derby at Epsom on June 4 in favour of a tilt at the French equivalent the following day.

The three-year-old won the Racing Post Trophy on his final juvenile start for Mick Halford but was unable to match strides with Frankel on his Godolphin debut in the 2000 Guineas, eventually fading to finish 10th.

Connections are now looking to step him up in distance but racing manager Simon Crisford hinted a trip to Chantilly, rather than Epsom, is currently more likely.

Newmarket Listed winner Ocean War and Sunday’s Prix Hocquart third Genius Beast are others in the Derby reckoning, but the former looks the most probable Epsom contender at this stage.

“We haven’t finalised our plans yet, but we have three possible runners in Casamento, Ocean War and Genius Beast,” Crisford told At The Races.

“Right now, Casamento could easily go for the French Derby the following day. That is over a mile and a quarter and that trip should suit him well.

“Ocean War is looking like he’s heading towards Epsom, and Genius Beast, if he didn’t run in either Derby, would wait for the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.

“It’s a massive step up for Ocean War, but he’s acquitted himself really well on both his starts this year.

“He’s improving and the extra two furlongs should also really suit him as well.”