Kate Tracey, Callum Helliwell and Sam Boswell gathered on the Weekend Winners programme to dissect the most compelling betting opportunities as the racing calendar filled with high‑profile events both at home and overseas. As the discussion wound down, the trio turned their attention to the upcoming Prix Ganay, a Group 1 contest that will be broadcast live from Longchamp in Paris at 3:25 p.m. on Sunday.
The race, which was won last season by Sosie — the horse that later finished third in the Arc – will feature six contenders battling over the extended ten‑furlong distance for top‑level glory. Among the entries, Daryz returns to the French scene under the guidance of trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard, accompanied by fellow Graffard runners Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and Aventure, each hoping to upset the favorite.
One of the panelists explained his reasoning: "I’m backing the favourite Daryz for the Prix Ganay, even though he was beaten by my own selection in his last outing of the previous season. Aventure is also in the field, but she had a disastrous run in the Arc last year.
She was drawn wide, never settled and essentially sank through the field like a heavy stone in water." He continued, "She wasn’t completely outclassed by Calandagan last season, a horse with rock‑solid form who is effectively the stable companion to the favourite. If she is fit and eager this time, I think she can bounce back to her best." The show also reminded viewers that they can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature pieces via their mobile devices, encouraging fans to never miss a story. Another voice on the panel offered a contrasting viewpoint: "I will stick with the Arc winner Daryz for the Prix Ganay on Sunday – the race will be shown live on Sky Sports Racing. I’m abandoning my French fancy in Aventure after her disappointment last time." The broadcast then shifted to a roundup of other racing headlines.
At Sandown, Derby hopeful Raaheeb upheld his family’s reputation with a polished Classic Trial performance. In the mile showdown, Opera Ballo prevailed over Field Of Gold. Jumps trainer Dan Skelton expressed pride in his championship‑winning stable, while Sky Sports Racing’s schedule highlighted today’s action at Doncaster, Chepstow and Fontwell.
In a separate segment, former football star Michael Owen’s stables welcomed new owners Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting, while the Greenham Stakes at Newbury saw Zavateri and Albert Einstein lock horns. Returning to the Prix Ganay discussion, the panelist who favoured Daryz elaborated on his reasoning: "Daryz enjoyed an excellent season last year, despite a disappointment in the Juddmonte International. He capped his campaign with a victory in the Arc, which secured his future at stud. I expect him to dominate this field on his seasonal debut, especially with Mickael Barzalona riding him so fluently.
Even if his fitness isn’t perfect, his class should carry him through." His counterpart added a reflective note: "It was fascinating to revisit last year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, where I correctly tipped Daryz as the winner. He’s making his first run of the new season today, and the atmosphere surrounding Francis‑Henri Graffard’s comments has been rather negative. His main target will be the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, so I think he’s beatable in the Ganay, but I’m not certain what the exact odds should be.
I’ll probably adopt a watching‑brief approach based on what the connections are saying." The panel concluded by urging viewers to watch the full Weekend Winners episode on the At The Races YouTube channel, where they can catch the in‑depth analysis, betting tips and behind‑the‑scenes interviews that accompany each major race meeting. Overall, the consensus was clear: Daryz arrives in Paris as the overwhelming favourite, backed by a strong jockey partnership and a proven record at the highest level.
Aventure, while talented, must overcome a poor showing in the Arc and a wide draw to be competitive. The other Graffard entrants – Cualificar and Arrow Eagle – will likely play supporting roles, but could also produce a surprise if they find the right pace.
As the field lines up for the ten‑furlong test, punters will have to weigh the proven class of Daryz against the potential redemption story of Aventure, while also considering the impact of weight assignments, ground conditions and each horse’s fitness after a long off‑season. The stage is set for an exciting Prix Ganay, and the betting markets will no doubt reflect the divergent opinions voiced by the Weekend Winners experts.