Jamie Spencer plots Arc success for super Sariska

Jamie Spencer refuses to contemplate defeat for Sariska in the Yorkshire Oaks, a dress-rehearsal for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and is already dreaming of glory in Paris.

Sariska, third favourite at 6-1 with Victor Chandler for the Longchamp showpiece on 4 October, is justifiably long odds-on to beat just five rivals on the Knavesmire.

Michael Bell's star filly just pipped subsequent Nassau Stakes scorer Midday in the Epsom Oaks in June and followed up with one of the easiest Classic wins of recent years in the Irish equivalent on heavy ground at the Curragh last month.

Although underfoot conditions will be totally different at York for tomorrow's 12-furlong Group 1 contest, the jockeys at the track yesterday confirmed that there was no jar in the ground and Spencer does not envisage the fast surface being a problem.

Nor has the opposition been giving Sariska's jockey too many sleepless nights.

The John Gosden-trained Dar Re Mi, runner-up to Lush Lashes in this race 12 months ago before chasing home the brilliant Zarkava in the Prix Vermeille at Longchamp, justified the decision to keep her in training when winning the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Irish Derby meeting and, while she is the obvious choice for the forecast, it will be a surprise if she gets Sariska off the bridle.

"Sariska has thrived and put on weight through the summer and, while Sea The Stars is without doubt the best three-year-old in Europe, I'd love to take him on in Paris on soft ground," said Spencer.