Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that his star colt Daryz will be aimed at the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting following a flawless start to the season in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp, Paris. The four‑year‑old, a son of the legendary Sea The Stars, had already hinted at superstar potential by winning his first four starts as a three‑year‑old last year. Although his form dipped in the Juddmonte International at York and he was subsequently beaten on his next home‑soil outing, Daryz rebounded spectacularly by delivering a thrilling performance in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October, securing a memorable victory that cemented his status among the elite.
In the recent 10‑furlong Group One contest, Daryz entered as the hot favourite, and he lived up to expectations. From the moment the race began, he travelled powerfully, covering ground with effortless stride.
The pivotal moment arrived when jockey Mickael Barzalona chose to press forward, and Daryz responded instantly, shifting into a higher gear and pulling away to claim a decisive win. The race unfolded with the patiently ridden Bright Picture finishing strongly to take second place, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure secured the third spot on the podium.
Nemone Routh, the manager representing the Aga Khan Studs—the owners of Daryz—in France, spoke to the Press Association after the race. She expressed the connections’ delight, saying, "We are obviously thrilled with his performance in this seasonal debut; it was suitably impressive." She added that the team had always believed Daryz possessed the quality to excel at the highest level and anticipated further improvement as the year progressed. "He is a very special horse, and that is why we kept him in training.
We wanted to prove to everyone that his Arc win was not a flash in the pan," Routh explained. Routh continued, emphasizing the long‑term plan for the colt: "We have always held him in high regard, and today he has confirmed that he is a genuine Group One horse." The win also saw Daryz’s odds shorten dramatically, with Coral cutting his price from 10‑1 to 5‑1 as he looks to defend his Arc title in the autumn. However, the connections have several other high‑profile targets before the season’s final showdown. Looking ahead, the team is eyeing next month’s Prix Aga Khan IV—formerly known as the Prix d'Ispahan—as a logical stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Ascot in June.
Routh explained that the upcoming race, run over nine and a half furlongs, will be a slightly sharper test than the Ganay, but one that Daryz should relish. "We think we’ll drop him back even further in distance now, as the Prix Aga Khan IV is a bit sharper than today’s race," she said. "We would not have any fear of that because he loves a fast pace.
He is happiest when he can stride out, and anyone who rides him says he can handle any tempo." The manager also highlighted the strategic timing of the Aga Khan race, noting that it falls at an ideal point in the calendar to prepare Daryz for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. "We hope he will be fine dropping back even further, and it serves as a very good prep because it comes at the right time for getting him ready for Ascot," Routh added. "Our plan for the first half of the year is clear: the Ganay, then the Prix Aga Khan IV, followed by the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Ascot. We haven’t fully mapped out the second half of the season yet, but that is the roadmap for now." Daryz’s pedigree and racing record make him a compelling prospect for Royal Ascot, where the Prince of Wales’s Stakes offers a 10‑furlong test against the world’s best middle‑distance horses.
His ability to accelerate quickly, coupled with a proven capacity to handle a strong pace, suggests he could thrive in the fast‑moving Ascot environment. Moreover, his recent triumph at Longchamp demonstrates that he can maintain top‑class form across different tracks and conditions. The anticipation surrounding Daryz’s next steps reflects broader excitement within the racing community. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see whether the colt can replicate his Arc heroics on the British stage.
The Aga Khan Studs have a storied history of producing champions, and Daryz appears poised to add his name to that illustrious list. In summary, after a flawless performance in the Prix Ganay, Daryz is now firmly on the path toward Royal Ascot, with the Prince of Wales’s Stakes as a key target.
His connections are confident that the upcoming Prix Aga Khan IV will serve as a perfect preparation, allowing the horse to sharpen his speed and stamina ahead of the June meeting. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on this remarkable Sea The Stars offspring to see if he can continue his ascent and cement his place among the greats of modern thoroughbred racing.