Hills: Youmzain the one to beat
Hills has taken over as the jockey of choice for Mick Channon’s six-year-old, who is so often a major player in Group One races.
Although still searching for a first domestic prize at the top level, he has won several times on the continent and has been second in the last two Prix de l’Arc de Triomphes.
He filled the same finishing position in the Coronation Cup last year, when beaten less than a length by Soldier Of Fortune.
“In my opinion he is the best horse in the race,” Hills told At The Races.
“Things have to go right for him, he needs a strong pace and lots of cover, but Mick’s horses are running well and he tells me Youmzain is in great shape.”
Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Jaber Abdullah, echoed Hills’ belief.
He added: “Youmzain looks the best horse in the race, he just needs a bit of luck which you always want.
“I think you wouldn’t want to be backing one to beat him. He goes well on the track and the ground will be good for him.”
Youmzain was fourth on his most recent run in the Dubai Sheema Classic and will face the winner that day, Eastern Anthem. He looked a much-improved performer for a spell with Gulf trainer Mubarak Bin Shafya and is now back with Godolphin.
Six others were declared for the mile-and-a-half affair with Aidan O’Brien - successful three times in the last four renewals – relying only on last year’s Irish Derby winner Frozen Fire.
John Gosden’s stable jockey Jimmy Fortune chose the mount on the progressive Duncan over Lincoln winner Expresso Star, while Yorkshire Cup scorer Ask adds to the interest further.
