Bookies not tempted to push favourite out.

DEFEAT for Ghanaati and the odds-on Goldikova yesterday had bookmakers in raptures, but failed to tempt them to lengthen the Arc odds of Sea The Stars in a bid to lure in punters, writes Rodney Masters.

He is around 4-6 with the majority of layers, and with no major representative from France - or Japan - it was considered that he will return at a similar price on the pari-mutuel.

David Stevens of Coral said the market was well established and he believed there would be little variation from 4-6. "Ground conditions have come right, and although bookmakers have had a great day with some long-priced winners and reverses for Goldikova and Ghanaati, I can't imagine that Sea The Stars will drift," said Stevens.

He added: "In many respects we hope he wins because it would be a much-needed boost for Flat racing, which is becoming increasingly overshadowed by jumping."

Ladbrokes go 8-11, and spokesman David Williams, speaking from Longchamp, said: "The ground here is good to firm and everything looks perfect for the favourite. I can't see there being too much variation between the bookmaker odds and the PMU because, unlike in many years, there are few, if any, new influencing factors and the market is well set. I've heard it suggested that he will drift to evens, but that isn't going to happen."

George Primarolo, of the Tote, said: "We've had a phenomenal start to the weekend with results going our way, but we can't see beyond Sea The Stars and I'll be very surprised if he's bigger than 4-6."

Racegoers on course at Longchamp can only bet with the parimutuel.

Punters in Britain and Ireland can bet direct into the PMU pools through their respective Totes.

Backers betting off-course who do not take an early price or specify pari-mutuel will have their bets settled at off-course odds supplied to major bookmakers by SIS.