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 with high‑profile events both at home and overseas. As the broadcast draws to a close, the trio turn their attention to the upcoming Prix Ganay, a Group 1 contest staged at Longchamp in Paris and slated for a 3:25 p.m. start on Sunday. The race, which was won last season by Sosie—who later went on to finish third in the Arc—features a field of six horses vying for top honours over a demanding ten‑furlong distance.
Among the entrants is Daryz, a horse that peaked at the height of the previous season’s French campaign under the guidance of trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. Daryz will line up opposite challengers such as Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and the mare Aventure, each hoping to upset the market favourite. One of the panelists admits a personal bias toward the underdog: "I’m backing the favourite Daryz in the Prix Ganay, even though he was beaten by my own selection in his most recent outing last season.
Aventure is also in the mix, but she endured a disastrous run in the Arc last year. Drawn wide and unable to settle, she floundered through the field like a stone dropped into water, never finding a rhythm." The same commentator adds that Aventure’s poor showing should not be taken as a sign of disgrace. "She finished well behind Calandagan last season, a horse with rock‑solid form that often serves as a stablemate to the favourite.
If Aventure is fit and eager this time, I think she could rebound to her previous level." The conversation then shifts to the broader racing landscape, with the hosts reminding listeners that the latest news, interviews and feature pieces are available on mobile devices. They encourage fans to stay connected for real‑time updates. Another voice on the panel declares a clear preference for Daryz: "I will back the Arc winner Daryz for the Prix Ganay on Sunday, which will be shown live on Sky Sports Racing. I’m abandoning my earlier French fancy, Aventure, after her disappointment in the Arc." The programme also teases other upcoming broadcasts, including a Seven Questions segment and the Dyonisos contest for the Silver Trophy at Ripon.
Highlights from Sandown feature Raaheeb, a Derby hopeful who upheld his family’s legacy with an impressive Classic Trial performance, and Opera Ballo, who thwarted Field Of Gold in a mile‑length showdown. In the jumps arena, trainer Dan Skelton expresses pride in his championship‑winning team, while additional coverage is slated for Doncaster, Chepstow and Fontwell. A notable development off the track is the entry of former snooker stars Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting into racehorse ownership, joining forces with Michael Owen’s stables.
Returning to Daryz, the panel notes his strong campaign last year despite a let‑down in the Juddmonte International. "He salvaged his stud prospects with a victory in the Arc, and I believe he should dominate this field on his seasonal debut.
Mickael Barzalona has a great rapport with him, and even if fitness isn’t perfect, Daryz should be up to the task," one analyst argues. The discussion also reflects on the previous year’s Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, where Daryz emerged as the winner after the panel’s tip.
The horse’s seasonal return is met with mixed feelings from Graffard’s camp, according to recent Sky Sports Racing interviews. "His primary target will be the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, so today’s race could be a stepping stone. I suspect he is beatable today, but the exact odds are unclear.
I’ll adopt a watching brief based on what the connections have said so far," the commentator concludes. In summary, the experts anticipate a tightly contested Prix Ganay with Daryz positioned as the odds‑on favourite, while Aventure hopes to redeem herself after a troubled Arc performance. The panel’s insights, combined with the broader racing agenda—including upcoming fixtures at Sandown, Ripon and the jumps circuit—provide bettors with a comprehensive view of the weekend’s betting landscape. Listeners are encouraged to watch the full Weekend Winners episode on the At The Races YouTube channel, where they can catch every analysis, interview and preview in one place.