West Ilsley trainer Mick Channon reports Youmzain to be bang on course as he attempts to make it third time lucky in next month’s Sheema Classic in Dubai.
The six-year-old, best known for finishing second in the last two Prix de l’Arc de Triomphes, had a spin around Kempton’s all-weather track under Eddie Creigh-ton on Sunday with three stablemates in preparation for a crack at the Grade 1 event at Nad Al Sheba on March 28.
Youmzain finished third in the race behind Vengeance Of Rain in 2007 and was fifth to Sun Classique last year.
Channon said: "I just wanted to get his blood up before he left for Dubai and he seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself.
“It was the usual Youmzain with no fireworks, but as we know he's a different entity when he gets into an actual race and he's never been as good.
"We've seen him run well in the last two Sheemas, I just hope he can make it third time lucky."
Richard Hills is likely to keep the ride on Youmzain.
Meanwhile, Channon, who plans to have his first runners at the Dubai Carnival this week when he is due to represented by Eva’s Request and Halicarnassus, sent out Wool-ston Ferry to justify odds-on favouritism at Lingfield.
Tony Culhane drove the three-year-old out to beat My Sweet Georgia by a length in a seven-furlong claimer.
And My Best Bet lived up to his name for Channon to score at Kempton.
Apprentice Michael Geran was seen to good effect as the three-year-old came home a length and a half clear of Head Down in a six-furlong handicap.
Blewbury trainer Eve Johnson Houghton also has runners in Dubai this week, with Beaver Patrol tackling a six and a half furlong contest on Thursday, before Judd Street runs over six furlongs on Friday.
“Both the boys arrived over there safe and sound and are in great form,” she said.
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