Sarafina (far side, noseband) accelerates after getting through small gap
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)Report: Longchamp, Sunday
Qatar Prix Foy (Group 2) 1m4f, 4yo+
SARAFINA overcame a traumatic path in running to force her way between horses from a difficult position en route to scoring in her Prix l'Arc de Triomphe trial in the Prix Foy.
After Christophe Lemaire put the hearts in mouths of the filly's supporters with a daring ride, they had to endure a stewards' inquiry as officials at Longchamp looked into possible interference involving the winner and the runner-up.
The result stood and Sarafina is now just 5-2 for Arc with Stan James, although she is unchanged at 4-1 with Paddy Power.
Last year's Arc runner-up Nakayama Festa cut out the running, setting a solid gallop with St Nicholas Abbey in second and Sarafina held up in last. Entering the home straight, St Nicholas Abbey laid down his challenge as the first two formed a wall in front of the strong travelling Sarafina.
With Hiruno D'Amour on her outside, Lemaire looked shortof room, but after bumping his way out slightly, he managed to make a gap that was not really there and when the filly got her run, she quickened impressively, seeing of Group 1 winners with ease under a hands-and-heels ride.
Winning trainer Alain de Royer Dupre said: "That's exactly what we wanted. She didn't have a hard race and she found a lot at the finish.
"She was fresh today but will not be in three weeks time. We're generally pleased with the race."
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