Lemaire revealed on Sunday that he was having a tough time deciding between the two Aga Khan-owned runners but on Tuesday opted to stay on Behkabad, whom he rode to win the premier Arc trial, the Prix Niel, last time.
Speaking on At The Races, the Aga Khan's racing manager Georges Rimaud said: "He has made up his mind now, he will be riding Behkabad; Gerald will ride Sarafina. For the obvious reasons he feels he has a better chance on the horse."
Behkabad, who was among 26 runners declared at the Arc's first confirmation stage on Tuesday, has proven form in testing conditions, which is likely to prove an advantage with the ground at Longchamp described as soft to very soft and more rain expected later in the week.
All the leading contenders held their ground with Aidan O'Brien leaving in Fame And Glory, Dixie Music, Cape Blanco, Joshua Tree, Midas Touch, Flying Cross and Bright Horizon in the €4 million race.
Cape Blanco, it was revealedin Tuesday's Racing Post, will be ridden by dual Arc-winning rider Christophe Soumillon with Johnny Murtagh committed to Ballydoyle first-string Fame And Glory.
The number of Arc contenders is set to increase by two on Thursday with dual Classic winner Lope De Vega expected to be supplemented for the 1m4f Group 1 along withMarinous.
However, there are likely to be some disappointed connections as there could yet be some balloting out if the race is used as the nationwide ‘Tierce', as betting slips can only cater for 20 runners.
However, there are likely to be some disappointed connections as there could yet be some balloting out if the race is used as the nationwide ‘Tierce', as betting slips can only cater for 20 runners.
If France Galop decide that Europe's richest race will not be used to support this money spinning bet then the field would be allowed to exceed 20 runners.
Lope De Vega's trainer Andre Fabre explained the shock decision to pay the €100,000 supplementary fee in Tuesday's Racing Post, but did add a note of caution for punters.
He said: "He's very well in himself, which is why we're taking our chance, but, of course, there is a big question mark about the distance. I'm more hopeful than confident he will stay, but I'll leave talk about that to the experts."
Coral have gone non-runner, no bet on the Arc.
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