Imposing records of Delzangles and Lemaire make What A Name a genuine 1,000 Guineas danger

Is Mikael Delzangles destined to be the centre of attention once again?

With both jockey and trainer boasting impressive Newmarket records, French raider What A Name is a deserved second favourite for Sunday's 1,000 Guineas, says French racing expert Isabel Matthew

Mikel Delzangles knows more than a thing or two about preparing horses for top overseas races, something that will hold him in very good stead when What A Name runs in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket on Sunday.

Winner of the colts' equivalent with Makfi in 2010 and third last year with Hermival, the Chantilly trainer turns his hand to the females with his first runner in the fillies' Classic.

In April, What A Name confirmed her credentials with a cosy neck victory in the Group 3 Prix Imprudence, having taken some time to accelerate in the final stages. This did not worry Delzangles however. 

"That was the perfect comeback for her as she did not have a hard race and was only 80 per cent fit. I have been very pleased with the filly since, and I feel she has improved from that race. "

Delzangles's record on the Rowley Mile speaks volumes. From five runners, he has fielded one winner and two thirds, meaning he certainly isn't sending over What A Name to make up the numbers. 

The daughter of Mr. Greeley has not finished out of the first three in five starts to date with Christophe Lemaire on board (who also rode Makfi), including when finishing second to Olympic Glory in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at the end of her juvenile season. 

One of the unknown factors in her challenge on Sunday is the step up to a mile, however Delzangles reckons Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani's filly won't have a problem with the ideal ground conditions promised. 

"I would prefer fast ground for her on Sunday, although she has performed on all surfaces. She is a very easy horse to ride who doesn't pull, and I don't think the step up to a mile will be any problem."

Two French fillies have triumphed in the last five runnings of the race, and What A Name looks set to play a leading role in this year's edition. Lemaire rode Natagora to victory in 2008, and like Delzangles, his Newmarket record is impressive with eight wins and two places from 20 rides. 

Although physically unimposing, What A Name belies her small stature with a huge heart. Already battle hardened against the colts, it would be no surprise to see the trophy returning to France for this gutsy filly.