Hello Youmzain Bids to Make Sprint Cup History

Hello Youmzain will be bidding for an elite double at Haydock as he attempts to become just the second multiple winner of the Betfair Sprint Cup (G1) Sept. 5 at Haydock.

Plenty have tried but none have succeeded since Be Friendly won the first two runnings and was then favorite to complete a hat-trick in 1968 only for the race to be scrapped due to fog.

However, Kevin Ryan has plenty of faith in Hello Youmzain, who has confirmed himself a tip-top sprinter since his victory here 12 months ago.

Success in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot and second in the Larc Prix Maurice de Gheest (G1) at Deauville last time shows the 4-year-old is is as good as ever in 2020.

"He ran a great race at Deauville, showing his usual toughness and battling all the way to the line," the trainer said. "He's come out of that race well and is exactly where we want him at this point—we're very happy with him and really looking forward to it."

Stablemate Brando was fourth last year and second in 2018, and he is expected to do much better than when eighth in last month's Sky Bet City of York Stakes (G2).

"Don't judge him on where he finished at York last time," the trainer said. "We had to give him his prep run over seven furlongs, which didn't suit him at all.

"However, that has put him spot on and he'll do much better back over a strongly run six furlongs here."

Ryan's third runner in the group 1, Queen Jo Jo, is upped in grade after herself finishing third in the City of York.

The trainer said: "She's on a roll, improving all the time, and once fillies start progressing, you never know where they could finish up."

The Tin Man is attempting to become the first former winner to recapture the crown having triumphed in 2018 before chasing Hello Youmzain home last year.

The 8-year-old, who was also second in 2016 and third in 2017, was beaten just half a length by Tabdeed at Newbury in July, and trainer James Fanshawe said: "He's got a good record in the race and he seems in good form.

"He was back on song at Newbury and ran really well. He'd been a bit rusty at Ascot, came on there and we hope he's come on again."

Stablemate Archer's Dream earned a place with success at Haydock in July, and Fanshawe said: "She's won over the course and distance and loves the ground, that's why we're taking a chance. She traveled really well when she won a conditions race there."