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- Frozen Fire faces seven rivals in Coronation Cup
Frozen Fire faces seven rivals in Coronation Cup
Frozen Fire will bid to give Aidan O'Brien his fourth Investec Coronation Cup in five years when lining up against seven rivals in the Group 1 at Epsom tomorrow.
Last year's Irish Derby hero was beaten by Buccellati in a farcically-run Ormonde Stakes on his return at Chester last month, and renews rivalry with Andrew Balding's charge.
Youmzain is also among an eight-strong field as he bids to go one place better than last year. Mick Channon's six-year-old was beaten under a length by Soldier Of Fortune in the event 12 months ago and, after another luckless run out in Dubai, connections are hoping fortune shines on them this time.
"Youmzain looks the best horse in the race, he just needs a bit of luck which you always want. I think you wouldn't want to be backing one to beat him. He goes well on the track and the ground will be good for him," said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Jaber Abdullah.
His big-race rider Richard Hills told At The Races: "In my opinion he is the best horse in the race. Things have to go right for him, he needs a strong pace and lots of cover, but Mick's horses are running well and he tells me Youmzain is in great shape."
Last year's Epsom Oaks winner Look Here bids to become the first since Time Charter 25 years ago to follow up over course and distance against the colts 12 months later, and trainer Ralph Beckett believes she has solid claims.
The daughter of Hernando has only raced four times in her life, and was last seen finishing third to Conduit in the St Leger at Doncaster in September. However, she is reported to be in top shape for her reappearance and pleased connections in a racecourse spin at Salisbury two weeks ago.
"She's well and we're looking forward to it. She's in good nick, she came out of her work at Salisbury well and we go there with every chance. I think there's every reason to believe she's going to be in it at the death. We know she goes round there (Epsom) and Youmzain has to have the race run a certain way and things to go his way," said Beckett.
Godolphin's Eastern Anthem and John Gosden's Duncan look much-improved performers, while the latter trainer also fields Lincoln winner Expresso Star. Yorkshire Cup winner Ask completes the line-up.