Youmzain: ready to land the major international rpize his cv deserves?
PICTURE: Edward WhitakerGreat chance for Youmzain in HK Vase
Preview: Hong Kong, Sunday 6am GMT (ATR/RUK)
Sha Tin: Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase (Group 1) 1m4f, 3yo+
THIS looks an outstanding opportunity for Youmzain, the three time Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe runner-up, to give his reputation a makeover by securing the major international prize his form suggests he should already have.
The six-year-old is the best horse on show at Sha Tin with a 5lb ratings advantage over the next best challengers Spanish Moon and Viva Pataca and victory would underline the standingof Sea The Stars, who beat him in Paris.
Spanish Moon, restricted to racing abroad after his misbehaviour at the stalls incurred a six-month ban in Britain, finished fourth behind Conduit in the Breeders' Cup Turf, where Mick Channon had hoped to run Youmzain.
Hong Kong's horse of the year Viva Pataca has contested the Cup in the past two years, finishing second two years ago, but won over this distance in May.
Overseas runners have captured every renewal of this race. Fillies have scored twice and the Aga Khan's Daryakana is yet to beaten in four starts, comfortably taking the Group 2 Prix de Royallieu on her latest start.
Cirrus Des Aigles was a six-length winner of the Prix du Conseil de Paris, the same route taken by former winners Ange Gabriel and Vallee Enchantee. Kasbah Bliss would write an extraordinary chapter into his story were the one time leading staying hurdler triumph.
Buccellati was only beaten two lengths when sixth last year and is back for more prize-money.
What They Say
Mick Channon, trainer of Youmzain
"We have come here to win. I try not to analyse what happens in his races, it would drive you mad. Yes, he has not won as many as he should but there is nothing we can do about. He is a very talented horse. He has had a great preparation and appears in great nick. He has plenty of toe and all he needs is luck when he turns into the straight, like he very often does."
Sir Michael Stoute, trainer of Spanish Moon
"He has arrived very well in Hong Kong and I think he has a good chance on Sunday. This has been the plan with him for some time - I think he will like the track and he is still relatively fresh as this is just his fifth start of the year."
Darren Beadman, rider of Viva Pataca
"'He has been areally good horse to me. First-up he probably ran too well. The other day he was a bit flat but he feels great on the training track, feels super. The draw could have been better. I don't want him too far back and he needs cover."
Francois Doumen, trainer of Kasbah Bliss
"I am thrilled with his appearance. He looks very supple and athletic. I think he will run very well. The 2400m is no problem - he was third after a long break over 2500m in the Grand-Prix de Deauville in August and, I assure you, he will be very competitive here."
Danny Shum, trainer of Thumbs Up
"His work on Tuesday was very good.Myself and Brett [Prebble, jockey] were very happy with it and it follows up his good barrier trial last week when he wore blinkers for the first time. He will wear blinkers on Sunday because Brett feels they will make him sharper. The 2400m is probably his best distance and we know he is up to international class having been third in the APQEII Cup. He's a better horse now so it's looking good."
Noriyuki Hori, trainer of Jaguar Mail
"This will be the first time he wears blinkers and we are hoping it will help him concentrate. His work leading up has been good and I am happy with his condition."
Andrew Balding, trainer of Buccellati
"The horse seems that much better this year and while his draw is not as good as I had hoped, it is two better than last year. We are hoping for a share of the prize-money again."
Ian Jory, assistant to John Sadler, trainer of Black Mamba
"She arrived on Sunday with a temperature and that's not ideal, but she has been improving. To be honest, we're playing catch-up."
Alain de Royer-Dupre, trainer of Daryakana
"The races are very competitive but especially the Vase, I think. It will be tough but she seems all right to me in her preparation."
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