ZARKAVA "simply the best" [ever?]

ZARKAVA confirmed her place in the history books by taking the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe under a super cool Christophe Soumillon.

The unbeaten filly, 13-8 favourite to land the world's richest turf race, stumbled slightly coming out of the stalls but Soumillon sat tight, before travelling at the back of the main pack, working his way through the field to go clear by two lengths.

Last year's runner-up Youmzain filled the same spot again this time, with It's Gino and Soldier Of Fortune dead-heating in a tight photo for third. Winning trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre reacted by saying that everything was "perfect".

The first filly to take the Arc since Urban Sea in 1993, Zarkava was immediately given a quote of 2-1 to retain her title next year by VCbet.

Duke Of Marmalade's run of Group 1 wins came to anend, with the four-year-old coming home down the field.

Royer-Dupre said: "She's beautiful, it's marvellous because she had a very easy race. It's perfect.

"When I saw the filly in the paddock and in the parade I was sure she was okay today. I knowshe has great acceleration.

"It's great to train a filly like that. She's the best I've had."

Richard Hills, rider of 12-1 chance Youmzain, said: "I tried to go up the fence but it didn't quite happen as the gap closed.

"He's run a great race anyway and he's probably even better than last year."

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to Youmzain's owner Jaber Abdullah, added: "It didn't cost him the race. The winner is an exceptional filly. He won't run again this year."

Pavel Vovcenko, trainer of It's Gino, said: "He's probably better held up and maybe hit the front a bit soon, but he's still run a great race and we plan to go for the Japan Cup next."

While Aidan O'Brien said of Soldier Of Fortune and Duke Of Marmalade: "I'm not using the ground as an excuse, they've both run good races. They both have plenty of options and we'll see what happens."

I can only wonder how Sun Classique would have fared. For a 3 year old filly to win the Arc is incredible but I fancy a fully fit Sun Classique would have pushed her all the way. Wouldnt it be great if they could square up some day!

Maybe next year? I see the bookies have priced up Zarkava as 2/1 fav for next year!

On the other hand where can I lay the 2/1?

Zarkava's future as racehorse hangs in balance


Flying filly Zarkava is just 2-1 for further Arc glory but will she remain in training?


ZARKAVA endured a “hard race” when winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Sunday and connections have hinted that she may now have achieved every objective as a racehorse.

No decision has been announced on whether the unbeaten superstar will race on into 2009 after a brilliant win that made her the first filly to land the Arc since Urban Sea in 1993. VCBet quote Zarkava at 2-1 to retain her crown next year.

Alain de Royer-Dupre, who trains Zarkava for her breeder, the Aga Khan, suggested a decision on her future career will be made in a “few days time”.

Speaking on Monday, Royer-Dupre said: “Zarkava is fine but you can see she's had a raceand quite a hard one. She was a little tense this morning but ate up well when we got her back last night.”

Of the future he added: “She will not run again this year and there is no decision on whether the filly remains in training as a four-year-old.

“We will make a decision in four or five days because it is a big decision to make. We have to respect the filly and there is not much left for her to do. You can't ask them to do too much in their lives.”

Future plans for the unbeaten super filly Zarkava have yet to be decided as the dust settles on her stunning Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe success at Longchamp.

The French 1000 Guineas and Oaks winner trounced older colts at the first attempt and found a dream run through the field to collect by two lengths, thus becoming the first filly since Urban Sea in 1993 to win the race.

Alain de Royer-Dupre's three-year-old thankfully broke well unlike in last month's Prix Vermeille, and the 13-8 favourite left her rivals toiling when bursting clear under the ice-cool Christophe Soumillon.

Mick Channon's Youmzain had a rough passage and flashed home to take the runner-up honours for the second year running, while Solider Of Fortune and It's Gino dead-heated for third.

Royer-Dupre, following up Dalakhani's success in 2003, said: "My reaction is that it is so great to train a filly who has so much talent and is so good.

"It is marvellous and I was very confident during all of the race, expect for the start where she didn't go straight but after that it was OK.

"Everyday you are anxious in case she has a problem or if something goes wrong. She is a filly who can be a little bit nervous sometimes, but I have a very good assistant who looks after her well.

"From the beginning of the week I felt she would go well but you are always afraid of a last-minute accident."

For her owner the Aga Khan the result was a massive boost for his breeding operation, with the unbeaten daughter of Zamindar related to his family's champion Petite Etoile.

His Highness said: "This is as well as you can do in breeding thoroughbreds. After nearly 90 years of breeding in the family this is a remarkable occasion.

"The filly has been very good this year and this was something that was already clear in my mind. We were worried about the draw so didn't give any specific instructions to Christophe as he knows the filly.

"The decision about her future has not been taken yet. She won't race again this year and I will discuss next year with my team."

Soumillon was ecstatic after the win, throwing his riding helmet into the crowd and even treating the Parisian racegoers to a Frankie Dettori-style flying dismount.

Referring to the slow start in the Vermeille: "Journalists often try and find a weakness in champions but this filly has no weakness. She has a temper but you need a temper to be a champion.

"She gave me a similar feeling to Dalakhani and I think he is the only horse who might have defeated her. She is an outstanding filly and will remain in my memory for the rest of my life.

"It was the greatest moment of my life when she came into the straight going so easily, just like Dalakhani. They are two champions who will be in my life forever."