Brian Meehan's Delegator ready to reign whatever the weather

The sages at Timeform may not see it that way, but still rate Brian Meehan's colt superior to Mastercraftsman, who was three lengths behind his rival in fifth at Newmarket.

Yet on official ratings, the Aidan O'Brien-trained Mastercraftsman is rated 3lb superior to the Craven Stakes winner and it must not be forgotten that the Ballydoyle stable was not in top gear prior to the Guineas.

Some have questioned Delegator's ability to handle soft ground, which is likely to be yielding at best. He has raced solely on good to firm since his debut on good to soft, but his mother is an unraced sister to the top-class sprinter Tomba, who relished ease in the ground.

Meehan's only concern prior to Delegator's run on the Rowley Mile was the fast going. His fears were not without foundation, because the beaten favourite was hanging left in the closing stages, a sure sign the horse would have preferred a little more give underfoot. He still ran an excellent race, however.

Mastercraftsman and unbeaten Rayeni, the obvious dangers, have both shown form on ground with plenty of cut - Mastercraftsman's National Stakes win at this course was on heavy, while Rayeni won two races on soft and good to soft ground.

Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial winner Recharge was just a length behind Sea The Stars in on yielding ground over course and distance last September and could prove a decent each-way bet tomorrow.

The adage that 'champions go on any ground' should be borne out 24 hours later when Again (3.40, nap) is taken to land the 1,000 Guineas.

Trained by David Watchman, she is proven on any going - in particular soft - and gets a mile well.

By outstanding sire Danehill Dancer, she is also related to multiple middle-distance winner Montjeu, and already she shown evidence that she has class in her genes.

O'Brien's Heart Shaped is a notable absentee from the field declared today, but the trainer is still represented by outsider Totally Devoted.