Channon Hoping To Make Derby Point

Mick Channon is hoping the recent spell of wet weather will not hamper the chances of his three-strong raid on the Vodafone Derby.

The former England footballer has never won a Classic, despite figuring among the top trainers in recent seasons, and suffered another disappointment three weeks ago when the fancied Flashy Wings trailed home 11th of 13 in the 1000 Guineas.

However, with Championship Point, Hazeymm and Youmzain all still figuring among the entries for the blue riband on the June 3, Channon could have his best chance yet of reaching the big league.

'I've still got three in the Derby but Championship Point would be my best chance,' said Channon.

'He has done nothing wrong and I think he's got a great chance. I just hope it's good ground and that it's not a bog. We could all do without them coming up the stands side.

'We've still got a couple of weeks to go so let's hope the weather settles down a bit and we have good ground for the Derby and then I'll be very, very hopeful.

'I couldn't be more pleased with him and he has come out of his race at Goodwood in great form and on a bit of work he did on Friday he has certainly improved.

'I'm not frightened to take on the big yards,' Channon told At The Races.

'Aidan O'Brien doesn't even know which his best chance is yet, neither does Kieren Fallon, so what chance have we got of knowing.

'I've got three in it. Hazeymm will probably take his chance if the owner wants to run him. He's an improver and did nothing wrong on his last run at Lingfield when he got beat a head by Linda's Lad and I think he has gone the right way again.

'I've also got Youmzain, who is a smashing little horse. He's got bags of speed and will stay a mile and a half but he is another who will want decent ground.

'His owner (Jaber Abdullah) also has Atlantic Waves in it though so he could go to Royal Ascot instead or the French Derby. I don't know yet.'

? PA Sport