Kate Tracey, Callum Helliwell and Sam Boswell gathered on the Weekend Winners programme to dissect the most promising betting strategies for a thrilling weekend of racing both in the UK and overseas. As the discussion wound down, the trio turned their attention to the upcoming Prix Ganay, a Group 1 contest that will be broadcast live from Longchamp in Paris at 3:25 p.m. on Sunday. The race, which was won last season by Sosie—who later finished third in the Arc—will feature six contenders battling over an extended ten‑furlong distance for the coveted Group 1 title.
Among the entries is Daryz, who arrived in top form for the French classic the previous year, and who will be guided once again by trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. He will be joined by Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and the mare Aventure, all of whom have been earmarked as potential challengers.
One of the panelists offered a candid assessment of Aventure's prospects: "I am taking on the favourite Daryz in the Prix Ganay on Sunday, even though he beat my selection in his most recent performance last season. Aventure lines up here and she had a nightmare of a race in the Arc last year. Drawn wide and keen she never got a chance to settle, and she dropped through the field like a heavy stone in water." The commentator continued, "She was far from disgraced behind Calandagan last season, which is rock‑solid form and the stable companion to the favourite.
She gets weight off the boys this time around and, if she is fit and raring to go, I think she will bounce back to form today." The panelist’s remarks highlighted the belief that Aventure, despite a disappointing run in the previous year's Arc, could rediscover her best when the race conditions suit her. The show also reminded listeners that the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories are available on mobile devices, encouraging fans to stay up‑to‑date with every development in the sport. In a separate betting note, another voice on the programme declared, "I will be siding with the Arc winner Daryz for the Prix Ganay on Sunday – live on Sky Sports Racing. I'm deserting my French fancy in Aventure after her disappointment last time." This sentiment underscored the confidence many backers still place in Daryz, given his proven ability at the highest level.
The broadcast segued into a roundup of recent racing highlights. In the 2000 Guineas, Bow Echo secured Billy Loughnane’s first Classic victory at Newmarket, while Night Raider captured the Palace House Stakes for trainer Karl Burke. Hollie Doyle’s blog featured Paris Babe as her top pick for the 2000 Guineas day rides and previewed the upcoming Royal Ascot Trials.
Sky Sports Racing also previewed a French Derby clash between Dolmalan and Montreal at Chantilly, and offered a forward‑looking guide to flat horses to watch in 2026. A brief note on the 2000 Guineas mentioned that Gstaad was reinstated into the Newmarket mix after an administrative error by Aidan O’Brien, illustrating how paperwork can sometimes influence race entries.
Returning to Daryz, a panelist reflected on his previous campaign: "Daryz had a great season last year, even though he did disappoint in the Juddmonte International, and saved his stallion career with victory in the Arc. I think he should be beating this field on seasonal debut and Mickael Barzalona gets on really well with him. He should be good enough on seasonal debut despite fitness not being on his side." The discussion also touched on the broader context of Daryz’s career. "It was great to look back on the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe last year, having tipped up the winner in Daryz.
He makes his seasonal reappearance today and the vibes from interviews on Sky Sports Racing from Francis‑Henri Graffard have been negative. His main target will be the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot so I think he is beatable today, but I don't know what with. I think it will be just a watching brief for me with what connections have said so far," the analyst concluded. The panel’s analysis highlighted several key factors that could shape the outcome of the Prix Ganay.
First, the ten‑furlong distance at Longchamp is a test of both stamina and speed, favouring horses that can settle mid‑race and accelerate in the final stages. Daryz, having previously thrived over similar trips, is expected to be positioned prominently by Barzalona, who knows the horse’s rhythm well.
Second, the draw can be decisive; Aventure’s wide barrier in the Arc contributed to her lack of composure, and a more favourable gate this time could allow her to settle earlier and unleash her turn of foot. Third, the weight assignments will play a role. Aventure is likely to carry slightly less than the top‑rated colts, giving her a marginal advantage if she is in peak condition.
Conversely, the presence of Calandagan—a proven Group performer and stablemate to Daryz—adds depth to the field and could set a strong early pace that benefits a late‑running runner like Daryz. Finally, the trainer’s tactics will be under scrutiny. Graffard has spoken candidly about Daryz’s fitness, acknowledging that the horse may not be at 100% after a winter break.
However, he also emphasized the mare’s resilience and the possibility of a sharp, decisive run when the race unfolds. The panelists agreed that while Daryz remains the favourite on paper, the race is far from a foregone conclusion.
For punters, the consensus was to consider a blend of bets: backing Daryz to win, placing an each‑way wager on Aventure for value, and possibly taking a place bet on Calandagan as a safety net. The discussion also highlighted the importance of monitoring the pre‑race paddock for any signs of unease or injury, especially given the recent weather that left the Longchamp turf a little softer than usual. In summary, the Prix Ganay promises a compelling clash between a proven champion in Daryz and a potentially revitalised Aventure, with several other high‑quality runners adding depth to the field.
The outcome will hinge on race‑day fitness, draw positions, and tactical execution. Fans can watch the live broadcast on Sky Sports Racing, and the full Weekend Winners episode will be available on the At The Races YouTube channel for those who wish to revisit the analysis. Overall, the panel’s insights provide a comprehensive roadmap for anyone looking to place informed bets or simply enjoy a top‑class Group 1 contest at one of Europe’s most historic racecourses.