Kate Tracey, Callum Helliwell and Sam Boswell gather on the Weekend Winners programme to dissect the most promising betting opportunities as the racing calendar fills up with high‑profile events both at home and overseas. Their conversation flows from the early‑season fixtures to the marquee contests that will dominate the weekend, culminating in a detailed preview of Sunday’s Prix Ganay at Longchamp, which will be broadcast live at 3:25 p.m.
Paris time. The Prix Ganay, a ten‑furlong Group 1 test, marks the first major European middle‑distance race of the year and traditionally serves as a barometer for the season’s leading milers and middle‑distance horses. Last season, the race was won by Sosie, who later finished third in the Arc de Triomphe, underscoring the quality of the field.
This year, six contenders will line up for the coveted title, each hoping to emulate Sosie’s success and set the tone for the rest of the campaign. Among the entries, Daryz returns as the clear favourite under the tutelage of French trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. Daryz made a strong impression in the previous season, taking the Arc de Triomphe and confirming his status as a top‑class middle‑distance performer. His form, however, has been a topic of debate after a disappointing run in the Juddmonte International.
Graffard’s stable also supplies several other hopefuls, including Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and the filly Aventure, all of whom will be eager to challenge the champion. One of the panelists admits a personal dilemma: “I’m inclined to back Daryz in the Prix Ganay despite the fact that he bested my pick in his most recent outing last season. Aventure is also in the field, but she suffered a disastrous run in the Arc last year. Drawn wide and unsettled, she never found a rhythm and sank through the pack like a stone in water.” The commentator goes on to note that Aventure’s previous performance should not be taken as a sign of disgrace, especially when compared to Calandagan, a horse with rock‑solid form that finished behind her in the Arc.
“If she is fit and eager, I think she can rebound today,” he adds, suggesting that a change in tactics and a better draw could restore her confidence. The discussion then shifts to the broader racing landscape. The hosts remind listeners that the latest news, interviews and feature stories are available on mobile platforms, encouraging fans to stay connected throughout the weekend. They also preview other Sky Sports Racing programmes, including a segment titled “Seven Questions” and coverage of the Dyonisos contest for the Silver Trophy at Ripon.
Further highlights include a report from Sandown where Derby hopeful Raaheeb delivered a stylish Classic Trial performance, reinforcing his family’s legacy, and a thrilling mile showdown where Opera Ballo outclassed Field Of Gold. In the jumps arena, trainer Dan Skelton expressed pride in his championship‑winning team, while the day’s schedule also featured action at Doncaster, Chepstow and Fontwell. A notable development outside the track is the entry of former football star Michael Owen’s stables into racehorse ownership, joined by Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting, indicating the sport’s growing appeal among high‑profile athletes.
Returning to the Prix Ganay, another panelist declares his support for Daryz, stating, “I will be backing the Arc winner Daryz for the Prix Ganay on Sunday – live on Sky Sports Racing. I’m abandoning my French fancy in Aventure after her previous disappointment.” He praises Daryz’s previous season, acknowledging the setback in the Juddmonte International but emphasizing his Arc victory as a career‑defining moment that should translate into success in the upcoming race. The jockey, Mickaël Barzalona, is praised for his rapport with the horse, and the commentator believes that despite any fitness concerns, Daryz remains a formidable contender on his seasonal debut.
The conversation also reflects on last year’s Arc, where Daryz was the panel’s tip and delivered a winning performance. The panel notes that recent interviews with Graffard have been cautiously negative, perhaps hinting at underlying issues.
Nonetheless, the horse’s primary target for the season is expected to be the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, a race that could further cement his legacy if he performs well in the Ganay. In summary, the panel’s consensus leans heavily toward Daryz as the horse to watch, while acknowledging the potential for an upset from Aventure if she can overcome her previous mishap. The Prix Ganay will serve as a crucial early‑season indicator for the middle‑distance division, and the outcome will likely shape betting markets and form lines for the upcoming Classics and Group 1 contests.
Fans are encouraged to watch the full Weekend Winners episode on the At The Races YouTube channel, where the panel’s insights, interviews and race previews are presented in full detail.