Youmzain takes Saint-Cloud test

Youmzain will face eight rivals as he attempts to shed his bridesmaid tag in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud on Sunday.

Mick Channon’s five-year-old has not won since landing the Preis von Europa at Cologne back in September 2006 but has run some storming races in the interim.

He finished only a head behind Dylan Thomas in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last season and also ran big races in the King George, the Dubai Sheema Classic and the Coronation Cup.

His Epsom conqueror Soldier Of Fortune reopposes along with St Leger winner Lucarno, Andre Fabre’s Getaway and Doctor Dino.

“His form speaks for itself,” said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Jaber Abdullah.

“My main concern is for fast ground as he is definitely better with some cut in the ground so hopefully they will get some showers over there.

“He’s run two good races out in Dubai on quick ground but softer ground just slows the others down.

“I think his rivals ought to be as frightened of him as we are of them.

“We only have three-quarters of a length to make up with Soldier Of Fortune on his Epsom run.

“It may sound stupid but if he had won the races he has finished second in, he would be a hot favourite on Sunday.

“He ran in this race last year but the pace was a bit muddling and he slipped up on the first bend.

“But there is a pacemaker in there this year so it should be an even gallop.

“It’s a good renewal though, a better race than last year but I think we’ll win.”