New-boy Delegator ready to give Godolphin cause for celebration

Having almost reached the final stages of the Flat season, it seems astounding that Godolphin are still searching for their first European Group 1 victory.

In fact, Sheikh Mohammed's wealthy operation have recorded just two top-level wins worldwide in 2009.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor bemoaned this week: "We have finished second in seven Group 1s this season. The horses are running well, we just need some luck."

So they will be hoping that DELEGATOR (3.10, nap), a recent purchase out of Brian Meehan's yard, can give them a boost in the totesport.com Celebration Mile at Goodwood tomorrow.

Should the three-year-old win the £100,000 event it would not be without a touch of irony, as the Dansili colt has been one of the most unfortunate horses of the season.

Delegator looked a top-drawer performer when winning the Craven Stakes at Newmarket at the beginning of the campaign.

Defeats thereafter in the English and Irish Guineas, and the St James's Palace Stakes, initially appeared disappointing. Yet subsequent results have shown that he faced very stiff tasks against Sea The Stars and Mastercraftsman.

However, there are still those who argue that Godolphin could have overrated his achievements in being beaten a length and a half by Sea The Stars at Newmarket and a neck by Mastercraftsman at Ascot.

Bin Suroor said earlier this week that Delegator "has shown a good turn of foot, more like a seven-furlong horse," and Godolphin's racing manager Simon Crisford added that "we haven't done much with him", but he is a colt with more than a touch of class.

Despite tackling the older generation for the first time, it is unlikely that Delegator could face a softer Group 2 field. He is also expected to have his favoured good ground.

Like fellow three-year-old Zacinto, who has been supplemented for the race following a Listed win over course and distance for Sir Michael Stoute, Delegator receives 6lb from his peers. That should make a big difference.

The James Fanshawe-trained Cesare saves his best for Ascot but was second in this race in 2007. The eight-year-old could be the biggest threat to a confident selection who has plenty going for him.