Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will aim for a Royal Ascot campaign following a flawless start to his three‑year‑old season in the Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars has already hinted at superstar potential, having won his first four starts as a juvenile last year. Although he fell short in the Juddmonte International at York and was subsequently beaten on his next home‑soil outing, Daryz rebounded spectacularly by capturing a thrilling Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October, confirming his status among the elite. In the recent ten‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz entered as the overwhelming favourite and lived up to expectations.
He travelled powerfully from the start, and the only question was when jockey Mickael Barzalona would ask him to accelerate. The moment Barzalona gave the cue, the four‑year‑old responded instantly, shifting gears and pulling away to secure a decisive win. Bright Picture, ridden with patience, held on for second place, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure rounded out the placings in third.
Nemone Routh, manager for the Aga Khan Studs – Daryz’s owners in France – spoke to the Press Association after the race. She said, "We are obviously delighted with his debut performance of the season – it was suitably impressive. We have always believed he possesses the class to compete at the highest level, and this victory confirms that belief. He still has room to improve this year, and we intend to nurture that development." Routh added, "He is a very special horse, which is why we kept him in training rather than retiring him after his Arc win.
We wanted to demonstrate that his triumph in the Arc was not a one‑off. Today he has proven he belongs in Group One company." The betting public responded quickly, cutting Daryz’s odds from 10‑1 to 5‑1 as they recognized his intent to defend his Arc title in the autumn. However, his connections have a series of other top‑class targets before that season‑ending goal.
The next logical step, according to the team, is the Prix Aga Khan IV – previously known as the Prix d'Ispahan – scheduled for next month. This race, run over nine and a half furlongs, offers a slightly sharper trip than the Ganay and should serve as an ideal preparation for the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Ascot in June.
Routh explained, "We plan to drop the distance a little further now, aiming for the Aga Khan IV, which is a touch sharper than today's race. We have no concerns about that because Daryz thrives on a strong, honest pace. He is happiest when he can stride freely, and every rider who has partnered him remarks on his ability to settle at any tempo and then unleash a turn of foot when asked." The team is confident that a successful run in the Aga Khan IV will set him up perfectly for the Prince of Wales's Stakes, a race that falls at an optimal point in the calendar for a horse of his profile. "We hope he will handle the shorter distance without any issue; it is a very good prep race that arrives at the right time for his Ascot target," Routh said.
She continued, "Our plan for the first half of the year is clear: the Ganay, then the Aga Khan IV, and finally the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Ascot. We are still working out the second half of the season, but the early schedule gives us a solid framework." Daryz’s pedigree further underscores his suitability for these challenges. As a progeny of Sea The Stars, he inherits a blend of stamina and turn‑of‑foot speed that has produced numerous Group One winners worldwide.
His early career was marked by an unbeaten streak of four victories, showcasing his versatility across a range of distances and ground conditions. Though his performance in the Juddmonte International was below expectations, the experience appears to have sharpened his competitive edge, culminating in his dramatic Arc victory where he displayed a powerful finishing burst. Looking ahead, the connections anticipate that Daryz will continue to mature throughout the season. Routh hinted at potential further campaigns beyond Ascot, noting that the team is still evaluating options for the latter part of the year.
Possibilities could include a return to the Arc in the autumn, perhaps supplemented by a venture into other prestigious European contests such as the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes or even an international foray to the United States for the Breeders' Cup Classic, should his form and fitness permit. In summary, Daryz’s dominant performance in the Prix Ganay has set the stage for an ambitious campaign targeting Royal Ascot’s Prince of Wales's Stakes, with the Prix Aga Khan IV serving as a crucial stepping‑stone.
His connections are optimistic that the four‑year‑old will continue to refine his abilities, offering racing enthusiasts a compelling narrative to follow throughout the summer and into the autumn classic season. The horse’s blend of pedigree, proven Group One credentials, and evident love for a strong pace makes him a genuine contender for any top‑level race he contests.