Ribbons back for more in Deauville Connections of Ribbons believe she faces a stiffer task in the Darley Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville on Sunday than she did when successful in the Group One 12 months ago. However, she has been specially prepared for the race and underfoot conditions look like being suitable as she defends her crown. Another factor in the James Fanshawe-trained five-year-old's favour is that she will be ridden by Frankie Dettori, who partnered her to that two-length victory over Princess Loulou last August. "She's in good form, we're very happy with her. They've had rain so the ground is in her favour," said Dan Downie, racing manager for owners Elite Racing Club. "I think it's definitely a tougher race than it was 12 months ago, but we're happy with her and the most important thing with her is the ground. "We've kept her for this on purpose and she's ready to go. "Frankie rides her again, so that works out great." The oppositions includes fellow British runners Persona Grata from Ed Walker's stable, Karl Burke's Odeliz and Madame Chiang from David Simcock's yard. Odeliz registered her first Pattern success in a German Group Three back in June and was not beaten far in fourth behind Amazing Maria in the Prix Rothschild over a mile at this track earlier in the month. Burke said: "Odeliz is set to run in the Romanet. She is in great form and we are looking forward to running her in France. "We are happy enough with how everything has gone since her last race in the run up to this race." Among a strong home team is Classic heroine Avenir Certain and We Are, who gained a neck verdict over Ribbons in the Prix de l'Opera last autumn.
