Youmzain looking to go one better

Jul 25 2008 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

CONNECTIONS of Youmzain are hopeful of going one better than last year as they look to defeat a Ballydoyle favourite in tomorrow’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

Both market leader Duke Of Marmalade and his main rival Youmzain were among the final eight declared for the summer’s middle distance championship contest at the Berkshire track.

The Mick Channon-trained Youmzain finished second to Dylan Thomas in last season’s contest as well as occupying the same position in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October.

But the five-year-old arrives at Ascot in fine form having beaten another Aidan O’Brien-trained favourite Soldier Of Fortune in Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud last time.

While Duke Of Marmalade bids for give his Ballydoyle handler a 14th Group One success this season, the Jaber Abdullah-owned Youmzain will be running in his 11th straight contest at the highest level.

And connections are hopeful of more glory.

Abdullah’s racing manager, Burce Raymond, said: “Youmzain goes into the King George with very solid claims.

“He underlined that he is top class with that victory in France and we don’t need to overly concern ourselves with the opposition.

“All we hope for is a truly-run race where there is a proper gallop – and also that he enjoys a smooth passage, which he should do in what is set to be a small field.

“It has been well documented that he likes to come from off a fast pace and as long as the race is a fair-and-square test, then he should be playing a key role at the finish. He was second in the King George last year – it would be lovely for his owner and trainer if he can go one better this time around.”

Duke Of Marmalade is a best-priced 10-11 favourite with Coral, while Youmzain is available at 10-3 with William Hill, Paddy Power and Sportingbet.

Irish trainer O’Brien has three entered in the race with Macarthur, winner of the Hardwicke Stakes over course and distance at the Royal meeting, and Red Rock Canyon joining the stable’s number one hope. The latter is expected to act as a pacemaker.

Among the other entries are two from Sir Michael Stoute’s Newmarket yard in Papal Bull and Ask.

Stoute last won the King George in 2002 with Golan.

Papal Bull finished second to last year’s St Leger winner Lucarno at Newmarket in the Princess Of Wales’s Stakes and and John Gosden’s four-year-old will be in opposition again tomorrow.

Terry Mills’ Petara Bay, third behind Lucarno and Papal Bull on the July course earlier this month, complete the line-up.

Meanwhile Richard Fahey’s Flying Clarets bids to add to her John Smith’s Cup success when she returns to York over course and distance in the Listed Fillies and Mares’ EBF Lyric Stakes this evening.

The five-year-old will be hard to beat on her favourite track with Warrington jockey Paul Hanagan on board.

TODAY’S NAP: Flying Clarets (7.30pm York).