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Youmzain On Coronation Trail

Wed 21 May, 01:09 PM


Youmzain will bid to gain a deserved big-race success in the Juddmonte Coronation Cup at Epsom on June 6.

Mick Channon's charge found only Dylan Thomas too strong in both the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes as he endured a winless season in 2007.

Youmzain finished a respectable fifth on his first outing of the current campaign when less than four lengths behind Sun Classique in the Dubai Sheema Classic and is being trained with Epsom in mind.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Jaber Abdullah, said: "The Coronation Cup is Youmzain's next scheduled race - that is what he is being aimed towards at the moment, so he will probably go there.

"He is working very well and is in top form. He is bouncing and Mick is happy with him. There are no other races for him at this stage, so we are thinking he will most likely go to Epsom.

"He ran some extremely good races last year without quite getting his head in front and the hope is that he can win one of those big ones this time around.

"He is a good class horse - a real good horse - and he has a finishing kick, especially when there's a little bit of cut in the ground."

Youmzain features among the 27 horses still engaged in Epsom's Group One attraction following Tuesday's forfeit stage.

Getaway and Doctor Dino could represent France, while Aidan O'Brien can choose from Duke Of Marmalade, Soldier Of Fortune, Septimus, Macarthur, Honolulu, Song Of Hiawatha and Red Rock Canyon.

Finsceal Beo, Lucarno, Turbo Linn and Red Rocks are other notable names still in the £200,000 test, along with Sir Michael Stoute's Galactic Star.

The Saeed Suhail-owned latter is not a guaranteed starter but will come under consideration after finishing third behind Getaway on his seasonal reappearance.

Raymond, who also manages Suhail's racing interests, said: "Galactic Star is a possible. The Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot could also be on his agenda but there is no reason why he couldn't go to Epsom first if Sir Michael feels that is the best route to take.

"He improved all last year and there could be more to come as he is finally growing up. He missed almost a whole season with a head injury, so he is entitled to get better.

"He has plenty of ability and we were pleased with his return at Newmarket behind Getaway."

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