Sarafina could join Behkabad in Arc

His Highness The Aga Khan's BEHKABAD (Cape Cross [Ire]) and SARAFINA (Refuse

To Bend [Ire]) could provide their famed owner-breeder with a two-pronged

assault on the October 3 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) following their

Longchamp trials on Sunday. While the former, who was adding to his win in the

July 14 Grand Prix de Paris (Fr-G1) when beating Planteur (Danehill Dancer) by a

head in the Prix Niel (Fr-G2), is a definite runner in the autumn showpiece, a

decision on Sarafina's participation has yet to be made. That May 23 Prix

Saint-Alary (Fr-G1) and June 13 Prix de Diane (Fr-G1) heroine was third behind

Midday (GB) (Oasis Dream [GB]) in the Prix Vermeille (Fr-G1).

"It was a prep race for (Behkabad) and he won it barely, but he did win it

and there will be some improvement before the Arc," racing manager Georges

Rimaud told PA Sport. "The ground was softish, but it was not holding and he

showed he is able to handle that sort of ground also. The ground is not really

an issue with him and he has come out of the race absolutely fine.

"(Sarafina) was beaten by two four-year-old Group 1 winners and ran very

well. She needed the race as she had not run since winning the Prix de Diane in

June, so she will be better for having the run. She needs to be held back in her

races a little bit and that wasn't really the problem. She may have just lacked

a little bit of work and she will improve. We're not sure yet (if she will run

in the Arc). This is a question for the Aga Khan and he is looking at the

options.

"Right now both horses are entered in the Arc and we could run both of them,

but we'll see. We will see how both Behkabad and Sarafina are in the weeks to

come and see how they look and make a decision then, although this is their

ultimate goal."

Retained jockey Christophe Lemaire also told PA Sport, "It is not decided

which one I would ride yet if they both run. I think we need to talk to the

connections and analyze both performances. Then we will decide later on -- there

is no rush."