Youmzain Ready For German Challenge

Mick Channon's progressive inmate Youmzain is reported to be in fine fettle ahead of his bid for glory in tomorrow's IVG Preis von Europa in Cologne.

After easing to a comfortable success in a Newmarket Listed race back in July, the Sinndar colt duly improved to land the spoils in a hotly contested Great Voltigeur at York.

Having sidestepped the St Leger, Youmzain pleased connections when running Andre Fabre's Rail Link to half a length in the Prix Niel at Longchamp recently, and he appears to have taken the travelling in his stride.

'He's travelled over and arrived in good shape,' enthused Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Jaber Abdullah.

'He's hitting form at the right time and he seems to be a nice improving horse.

'I think we certainly wouldn't have been competing in this race eight to 10 weeks ago but now he's a worthy Group One contender.

'Everything's good and I think he's got a very, very good chance in a field of seven runners.

'Hopefully they'll go quite quickly ? they usually do ? or at least they don't hang about. They tend to go quicker than they do in France, which should suit him,' he explained.

'Kieren (Fallon) was very keen to ride him.'

? PA Sport