A compelling lineup of contenders for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is set to take center stage on Sunday’s Arc Trials Day at ParisLongchamp, headlined by recent Arc winner Daryz and star colt Gstaad.
Daryz returns to action in the Prix Foy at 4:35 pm, marking his first start since finishing third in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard’s four-year-old has enjoyed a largely flawless campaign, securing victories in both the Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV before his Arc triumph. Despite a mix-up in the stables prior to Ascot, Daryz remains the favorite, though Bay City Roller, currently priced at 14-1 for the October showpiece, poses a significant threat, particularly if conditions soften.
In the feature Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp at 3:25 pm, Aidan O’Brien’s Gstaad will face off against Opera Ballo and Ten Bob Tony. The three-year-old Gstaad won by nearly three lengths in the Sussex Stakes and now carries a significant weight advantage after his rivals are penalized. While both Opera Ballo and Ten Bob Tony were behind him last time out, the reduced weight penalty offers them a renewed chance to close the gap. Erdenali, partnered by Mickael Barzalona for Graffard, also enters the fray as a notable contender.
The Qatar Prix Vermeille at 2:50 pm promises high-quality Group 1 combat. Sparan Nua, who impressed over a mile and a half in the Yorkshire Oaks, meets Sunly, whose form has been bolstered by a subsequent win in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet. Survivor of a strong American campaign, Survie, joins the field with Ryan Moore in the saddle, looking to translate her Saratoga success to French soil.
Earlier on the card, the two-year-olds make their mark in the Qatar Prix la Rochette at 12:58 pm. Avec Toi, described as a “machine” by trainer Christopher Head, faces unbeaten rivals Vignelli and Imperial Strike. Head could double his tally with Data in the Qatar Prix d’Aumale at 1:33 pm.
Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini is the standout in the 4:00 pm Qatar Prix Niel, providing Aidan O’Brien with a key trial run. He faces opposition from Varandir and Zaraki, trained by Alain Fabre, as the final preparations for Europe’s most prestigious race continue.
Excited to see Benvenuto Cellini running. The Irish Derby winner seems ready for a big challenge.
Gstaad getting weight penalties for his rivals is quite a twist. Might tighten the Moulin de Longchamp race significantly.
Daryz looks unstoppable. Can anyone really stop him from landing another major win?