Mick Channon is confident Youmzain is ready to mount a serious challenge in Saturday's Dubai Sheema Classic on the Nad Al Sheba turf.
The five-year-old finished an eyecatching third behind Vengeance of Rain 12 months ago and only went down by a head to Dylan Thomas in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
"It is a very competitive race, but we have obviously got a decent chance," said Channon.
"The problem with the race is the pace and whether there will be a good gallop.
"My horse has got a great chance and we are very hopeful, but again we are going to need a bit of luck because we are a hold-up horse."
Youmzain, last season's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes runner-up, will start from stall five in the 12-furlong Group One - flanked by Godolphin's West Wind (four) and the Graham Motion-trained Better Talk Now (six).
"It is a good draw," added Channon.
"It would have been better if there was a horse who wanted to go forward but we are happy and we can take our time from there.
"From then it is out of my hands and into the jockey's."
Motion is also expecting a big show from American raider Better Talk Now, second to Red Rocks in the 2006 Breeders' Cup Turf.
"He is a tremendous horse and I think he is going to be suited to this course," reasoned the handler.
"I am very impressed with the amount of give in the ground, which this horse is going to like."
HOME PAGE
ARCHIVES
|