Sarafina finds the silver lining at Saint-Cloud
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Your support makes all the difference.As though goaded by the example of Goldikova, who had registered a 13th Group One success on the other side of Paris the previous afternoon, Sarafina yesterday showed that she may also be maturing into a formidable force on Europe's elite stage with an impressive performance in a Group Two race at Saint-Cloud. Unlucky in running when third to Workforce in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe last season, Sarafina is now 10-1 from 12-1 with Ladbrokes to make amends this autumn. Trained for the Aga Khan by Alain de Royer-Dupre, Sarafina had shaped well on her reappearance and this time smoothly disposed of Announce, a well regarded filly in the care of Andre Fabre. She will now return to the top grade, with the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud among her options.
Fabre, incidentally, is sending Pour Moi on reconnaissance to Epsom on Thursday, with the Investec Derby in mind. On the same afternoon, the American ace, Mike Smith, will be the big draw at Folkestone as he test-drives a potential Royal Ascot juvenile for Wesley Ward. Smith was due to take five mounts at Lingfield today but was obliged to surrender them yesterday when becoming tangled up in red tape. The UK Border Agency contacted Smith to advise him that he would be breaking the terms of his visa.
As for Goldikova, Freddie Head indicated that she is almost certain to meet Canford Cliffs in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot next month.
Isabel Tompsett, the amateur rider, remains in a "serious but stable" condition in a neurological unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital after a hurdles fall at Fakenham on Sunday.
Borderlescott, the popular veteran sprinter, is to undergo X-rays today on a swollen hindleg after appearing to be hit by debris from another runner's tack in a bizarre mishap at Haydock on Saturday.
Turf Account
* Chris McGrath's Nap
Kepler's Law (4.50 Chepstow)
Familiar profile for his trainer, given time to mature since acquiring a rating, gelded, and now raised in trip.
* Next best
Mnarani (5.30 Lingfield)
Promising start for his new stable last time, and beaten only two necks off a 19lbs higher mark here last year.
* One to watch
Mundana (Luca Cumani) was well backed for her debut at Goodwood last week but proved too green, organising herself just too late.
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