Another tilt at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is the long-term objective for Sarafina following her impressive performance in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud on Sunday.Alain de Royer-Dupre's filly was beaten less than three lengths into third by Workforce in the Longchamp showpiece last October, and would almost certainly have finished closer had she not suffered severe interference.Sarafina has looked at least as good as ever this season, finishing second to Planteur in the Prix Ganay before winning her next two starts.Georges Rimaud, racing manager to owner the Aga Khan, is hoping she can return to Paris later this year.
"We were very pleased with her and she seems to be learning all the time. She was very impressive," said Rimaud."I think the trainer and jockey have done a great job with her. They went quite slow in the race and she was at the back, but she showed very good acceleration to come through and win the race."Sarafina's regular jockey Christophe Lemaire was equally impressed with the filly's performance, and believes the Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville may be the next target."I think she has improved, but what she did in the Arc last year was already very special," Lemaire said."The field was good (on Sunday), although maybe not a real Group One field."
