Bookies run for cover as Delegator sparkles

Brian Meehan already has the winter favourite for the Derby in his Manton yard in the shape of Crowded House - but the dogs were barking the name of another Classic contender after an apparently scintillating piece of work this morning.

Delegator, who finished only a length and a half behind Intense Focus when fifth in the Dewhurst last October, has been backed from 33-1 into as low as 8-1 for the stanjames.com 2000 Guineas in the last 48 hours.