Kate Tracey, Callum Helliwell and Sam Boswell gather on the Weekend Winners programme to dissect the most promising betting strategies for an exhilarating weekend of racing 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 that will be transmitted live from Longchamp in Paris at 3:25 p.m. on Sunday.
The race, last year won by Sosie who later finished third in the Arc, will feature six contenders vying for top honours over a demanding ten‑furlong distance. Among the entries, Daryz returns as the clear favourite after a brilliant performance in the previous season’s Arc. He will be guided once again by trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard, who also has three other horses in the field: Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and the filly Aventure. One of the panelists explains his personal wager: “I’m backing Daryz to repeat his success 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 unsettled, she never found a rhythm and sank through the field like a heavy stone in water. "She wasn’t disgraceful, though; she finished behind Calandagan, a horse with rock‑solid form who often serves as a stable companion to the favourite. If she can shed the extra weight this time and arrive fit and eager, I think she could rebound to her best form today." The hosts also remind listeners that all the latest racing news, exclusive interviews and feature stories are available on mobile devices, urging fans not to miss any updates.
Another commentator adds his perspective: “I’ll 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 earlier French fancy, Aventure, after her disappointing performance last time. Today’s Sky Sports Racing schedule includes a French Derby clash between Dolmalan and Montreal at Chantilly, a 2000 Guineas story about Gstaad being reinstated in the Newmarket mix after an administrative error by Aidan O'Brien, and a Seven Questions segment featuring Dyonisos in the Silver Trophy at Ripon.
On the flat circuit at Sandown, Derby hopeful Raaheeb upheld his family’s reputation with a stylish Classic Trial win, while Opera Ballo thwarted Field Of Gold in a mile‑length showdown. In the jumps arena, trainer Dan Skelton expressed pride in his championship‑winning team. Returning to the Prix Ganay, the panelist notes: “Daryz had an outstanding season last year despite a let‑down in the Juddmonte International, and he secured his future at stud with an Arc victory. 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 see him through.” A further analysis reflects on the previous year’s Arc: “It was fascinating to revisit the Arc after correctly picking Daryz as the winner. He reappears today, but the mood in the Francis‑Henri Graffard camp has been somewhat negative, according to recent Sky Sports Racing interviews. His primary target remains the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, so I suspect he may be a touch under‑cooked for the Prix Ganay. Nonetheless, I’ll adopt a watching brief, taking into account the comments from his connections.” The discussion also touches on tactical considerations for the ten‑furlong test at Longchamp.
The track’s long straight and undulating terrain typically reward horses with a strong cruising speed and the ability to settle early before unleashing a decisive finishing kick. Daryz, having proven his stamina in the Arc, appears well‑suited to these demands. Aventure, by contrast, will need to overcome her previous lack of composure, perhaps by being positioned closer to the rail to avoid the wide draw that hampered her in the previous race.
Betting markets are expected to open with Daryz as a short‑priced favourite, while the other three Graffard runners – Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and Aventure – will likely offer more attractive odds for punters seeking value. Analysts suggest watching the early pace; a slow start could benefit the front‑runners, whereas a brisk tempo might play into the hands of those with proven stamina.
In addition to the French contest, Sky Sports Racing will broadcast a slate of other high‑profile events throughout the day, ensuring that racing enthusiasts have a full programme of action. From the French Derby showdown to the classic mile races at Sandown, the channel promises a comprehensive coverage of the sport’s finest moments. Overall, the panel concludes that while Daryz remains the logical choice for most bettors, the unpredictable nature of Longchamp’s ten‑furlong test means that any of the Graffard entrants could cause an upset if they find the right rhythm.
Listeners are encouraged to follow the live broadcast, keep an eye on the evolving odds, and enjoy the strategic nuances that make the Prix Ganay a highlight of the early European flat season. For those who prefer on‑demand viewing, the full Weekend Winners episode will be uploaded to the At The Races YouTube channel shortly after the live broadcast, allowing fans to revisit the analysis and soak up every detail of the day’s racing narrative.