Youmzain back on Arc trail

Youmzain has arrived in France in peak condition as he bids to secure top honours in the Qatar Prix De l’Arc De Triomphe at the fourth attempt.

The seven-year-old has finished second in the last three renewals of Europe’s premier middle-distance event, going down by a head to Dylan Thomas in 2007 before chasing home two superstars in Zarkava and Sea The Stars.

Mick Channon’s stable stalwart was last seen finishing third in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot and Bruce Raymond, racing manager for owner Jaber Abdullah, is praying this will be his year.

“He headed over yesterday and arrived there safe and sound,” said Raymond.

“I’m happy with the ground. I don’t think he’s really had this sort of ground since he won the Great Voltigeur at York, which is a long time ago.

“He goes on any ground but it’s going to be very soft and I think that will be in his favour as it will slow a few others up.

“If he runs as well as he has in other years he must have every chance as any of the three horses that have beaten him would be a hot favourite this year.

“Obviously he’s a year older now and it’s hard to say if he’s in that sort of form as he doesn’t show a lot at home, but he’s well in himself.

“He always runs well at Longchamp and that’s mainly because you always get a good gallop.”