Stiff Test For Danak

John Oxx has a few worries about pitching the unbeaten Danak in at the deep end in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh tomorrow.

Although the Aga Khan-owned colt has won a minor event at Fairyhouse over nine furlongs, his three stakes victories have all been over a mile.

Danak took the Amethyst Stakes in good style last time but Oxx would also prefer the ground not to become any softer.

'He should stand a bit more rain than (1000 Guineas contender) Arch Swing,' reported the trainer.

'He could handle some ease, but would not want it soft.

'The big thing with him is the massive step up in class and distance. It is not just a step up to a mile and two furlongs, it is a mile and two and a half. Whether he handles it, I just don´t know.'

The richly-endowed Group One also features Dylan Thomas, an impressive winner of both starts this season.

Connections of Youmzain are looking forward to seeing him make his challenge.

The Sinndar colt proved most progressive last year, winning the Great Voltigeur Stakes before finishing second to subsequent Prix de l´Arc de Triomphe winner Rail Link in the Prix Niel.

Youmzain rounded off his campaign with a Group One success in Germany and finished third in the Dubai Sheema Classic on his first start of the year back in March.

While another big performance is anticipated, Rabbah Bloodstock´s director of racing Bruce Raymond has great respect for the opposition.

He said: 'He goes there with a good chance. Dylan Thomas looks the one to beat but on his day Youmzain is certainly capable of winning a race like this.

'His preparations have gone fine, although he is not an exuberant worker at home.

'But Mick (Channon) is positive about the horse and it is fair to say that significant rain would be in the horse´s favour,' he told www.rabbahbloodstock.com.

Arch Rebel, Fracas, Heliostatic, Mustameet, Notnowcato and Nightime will also line up.

(C) PA Sport