French raider Hermival set for 2000 Guineas Mikel Delzangles has confirmed Hermival as an intended starter in Saturday's Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh. The three-year-old is the favourite for the Irish Classic with some bookmakers after running an excellent third behind Camelot in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket earlier this month. His performance deserves even more credit as he was part of a small group of horses that raced on the far side of the Rowley Mile and Delzangles is hopeful he can show further improvement this weekend. "It was a very good run at Newmarket. It was only his third start and he did very well," said the French trainer. "Gregory (Benoist, jockey) thought it was definitely a disadvantage (being on the far side) as he had to take the lead as the other horses were a bit tired. "He did nearly two furlongs on his own on the far side and for an inexperienced horse like him, it was a bit difficult. "He's definitely going to travel (to Ireland). He did his last piece of work on Monday and everything went well. "He's been doing very well, he recovered very quickly (after Newmarket) and I hope he's improved a bit. "We were debating whether to go to the Curragh or to go for the French Derby, but for now, I think he is better staying at a mile. He looks like a miler more than anything else." Paddy Power bet: 9/2 Parish Hall, 5/1 Takar, Hermival, power, 6/1 Trumpet Major, 9/1 Born To Sea, Crusade, Daddy Long Legs, 11/1 Nephrite, 12/1 Reply, 14/1 Wrote, 25/1 Speaking Of Which, 40/1 Foxtrot Romeo, 50/1 Alkazim, Vault.
