Kate Tracey, Callum Helliwell and Sam Boswell gathered on the Weekend Winners programme to dissect the most compelling betting opportunities as the racing calendar swelled with high‑profile events both at home and overseas. As the broadcast drew to a close, the trio turned their attention to the upcoming Prix Ganay at Longchamp, a Group 1 contest slated for 3:25 p.m.
on Sunday in Paris. The race, which was won last season by Sosie – the horse that later finished third in the Arc – will feature six runners tackling an extended ten‑furlong distance in pursuit of top‑level glory. Among the entries, Daryz returns as the odds‑on favourite under the guidance of trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. He will be joined by a solid supporting cast that includes Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and the mare Aventure, each hoping to upset the established hierarchy.
One of the panelists explained his personal wager: “I’m backing Daryz in the Prix Ganay despite the fact that he was beaten by my pick in his final run of the previous season. Aventure is also in the field, but she suffered a disastrous trip in the Arc last year. She was drawn on the outside, never settled and was dragged down the field like a stone sinking in water.” He continued, “Last season she finished well behind Calandagan, a horse with rock‑solid form who is effectively the stable companion to the favourite.
If she’s fit and eager this time, she could shed the weight of that previous disappointment and rediscover her best. I think she’ll bounce back today.” The conversation then shifted to the broader racing agenda. The hosts reminded listeners that Sky Sports Racing offers a constant stream of breaking news, exclusive interviews and in‑depth features, all accessible via mobile devices.
They also highlighted other programmes on the channel, such as the Seven Questions interview series and the Dyonisos Silver Trophy at Ripon. Further down the schedule, Sandown will host a Classic Trial in which Derby hopeful Raaheeb aims to honour his family’s legacy with a polished performance, while Opera Ballo is set to clash with Field Of Gold in a mile‑length showdown. In the jumps arena, trainer Dan Skelton expressed pride in his championship‑winning stable, and the day’s card will also feature action at Doncaster, Chepstow and Fontwell.
In a surprising development, former football star Michael Owen’s stables have welcomed two new owners – Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting – who have entered the world of racehorse ownership, adding another layer of intrigue to the weekend’s narrative. Returning to the Prix Ganay, another commentator offered his perspective on Daryz: “He enjoyed a brilliant campaign last year, even though he fell short in the Juddmonte International. He redeemed himself with a victory in the Arc, securing his future at stud. I expect him to dominate this field on his seasonal debut, especially with Mickaël Barzalona riding him so confidently.
Even if his fitness isn’t at its peak, his class should see him through.” The panel also reflected on the previous year’s Arc, noting that Daryz had been their chosen winner. “He’s back on the scene today, but the mood in the Francis‑Henri Graffard camp has been a bit dour, according to recent Sky Sports Racing interviews,” one pundit remarked. “His ultimate target is the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, so the Prix Ganay could be a stepping stone rather than a final goal. That said, I’m treating it as a watching brief – I’ll see how the connections phrase their intentions before committing any serious stakes.” Overall, the consensus among the Weekend Winners panel is that the Prix Ganay promises an engaging contest with a blend of proven talent and horses seeking redemption.
Daryz, as the clear favourite, will need to demonstrate that his Arc triumph was no fluke, while Aventure hopes to rewrite the narrative of her previous poor showing. Meanwhile, the supporting runners – Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and others – will look to exploit any lapses and perhaps pull off an upset. Fans are encouraged to tune in to Sky Sports Racing for live coverage of the race, as well as to catch the full Weekend Winners programme on the At The Races YouTube channel.
The broadcast will feature expert analysis, behind‑the‑scenes interviews with trainers and jockeys, and a comprehensive preview of the rest of the weekend’s racing calendar. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a casual enthusiast, the upcoming Prix Ganay offers a compelling mix of drama, strategy and the ever‑present possibility of an unexpected result.