Channon Hoping For Niel Joy Mick Channon is hoping the decision to bypass a trip to York with Youmzain will pay off in the Prix Niel at Longchamp tomorrow.The Sinndar colt was among the leading fancies for the Ladbrokes St Leger after winning the Great Voltigeur Stakes on his last start.However, owner Jaber Abdullah decided to side-step the final Classic of the season in favour of an outing in the Group Two Arc trial in France.Youmzain won over a mile and five furlongs at Newmarket in June, but trainer Mick Channon is not concerned about his charge getting tapped for toe in the French 12-furlong contest.He said: 'It doesn't matter what speed they go, this fellow has a smashing turn of foot as he showed in the Voltigeur.'I really couldn't be happier with him.'Youmzain, who also finished third in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial, faces a tough task on his first trip to France.He will clash with the Andre Fabre-trained Rail Link who stepped up to the highest level with a two-length defeat of Red Rocks in the Grand Prix de Paris last time.Elie Lellouche's Sudan, third that day, reopposes while Fabre has a second string to his bow in Bremen.British trainers supply three of the six runners, with Sir Michael Stoute's Papal Bull bidding to atone for his disappointing run in the Voltigeur, while Geoff Wragg's Derby runner-up Dragon Dancer will have an eighth attempt at breaking his maiden.(C) PA Sport
