Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Ryan’s pair ‘in great form’
KEVIN Ryan has been thrilled with Hello Youmzain as he aims to add the Darley July Cup to his Royal Ascot success.
A Group One winner at three last season at Haydock, Hello Youmzain also prevailed in a close finish in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes last month.
He was sold as a stallion prospect by Jaber Abdullah following his Haydock win, to Haras d’Etreham and the Cambridge Stud, but Ryan dismisses the notion that the pressure is therefore already off.
“It’s not a free hit, it’s a Group One – and they are all important races,” he said of today’s showpiece at Newmarket. “He’s in good form, we’re very happy with him going into the race, but it’s another tough race – they’ve all turned up.”
Sceptical, just behind Hello Youmzain at Ascot, and Commonwealth Cup winner Golden Horde head the market – but Ryan also believes it would be folly to dismiss Brando, his eight-year-old who has been placed in the July Cup twice previously.
“We’re very happy with Hello Youmzain, he’s in great form – as is Brando. He loves it at Newmarket and has run well in the race before,” said the North Yorkshire trainer.
“The ground will be right for Brando – he ran well at Newcastle when nothing came from off the pace that day, so we’re more than happy with him as well.
“Brando’s only run 39 times in his life, so he’s got low mile mileage for a sprinter. Hello Youmzain was always going to strengthen up in the winter – he’s a big horse, and as a sprinter they always do that.
“To win at Ascot first time out was a huge thrill. It’s a Group One, and they always take plenty of winning.”
The July Cup is part of the 2020 Qipco British Champions Series – as was the Commonwealth Cup, won by Clive Cox’s Golden Horde.