Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will aim for a Royal Ascot campaign after the horse delivered a flawless start to his three‑year‑old season by winning the Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp. The offspring of the legendary Sea The Stars had already hinted at superstar potential by clinching his first four starts last year. Although his form dipped in the Juddmonte International at York and he was beaten on his subsequent home‑soil outing, Daryz rebounded spectacularly to capture a thrilling Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October, confirming his status among the elite. Going into the ten‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz entered as a strong favourite.
He travelled with authority throughout the race, and the only question was when jockey Mickael Barzalona would ask for his effort. The moment Barzalona gave the signal, the four‑year‑old responded instantly, accelerating through the final stages to secure a decisive victory. Bright Picture, who had been ridden patiently, held on for second place, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure finished third. Nemone Routh, manager for the Aga Khan Studs – the owners of Daryz in France – spoke to the Press Association after the race.
She said, "We are obviously delighted with his performance in his seasonal debut – it was suitably impressive. We have always believed he is as good as he looks, and we expect him to improve further this year. He is a very special horse, which is why we kept him in training to demonstrate that his Arc win was not a one‑off.
We have always regarded him highly, and today he has proved he is a genuine Group One performer." Following the win, Coral shortened Daryz's odds from 10‑1 to 5‑1 for a repeat Arc victory in the autumn. However, his connections have a series of high‑profile targets before then. The next logical step appears to be the Prix Aga Khan IV – formerly known as the Prix d'Ispahan – scheduled for next month.
This race, run over nine and a half furlongs, will serve as a stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Ascot in June. Routh explained the strategic plan: "We think it makes sense to drop him back in distance now, as the Prix Aga Khan IV is a touch sharper than today’s race. We have no concerns because Daryz thrives on a strong pace; he is happiest when he can stretch his stride, and every rider who has partnered him says he can settle to any tempo.
We hope the shorter trip will suit him and provide an excellent preparation, as it falls at the perfect time before the Prince of Wales's Stakes." She added, "Our intended sequence is the Ganay, then the Prix Aga Khan IV, and finally the Prince of Wales's at Ascot. We haven’t finalized the second half of the season yet, but that is the blueprint for the first half." The plan reflects a careful balance between maintaining the horse’s sharpness and giving him enough variety in distance to showcase his versatility. Daryz’s pedigree and racing record make him a compelling prospect for Royal Ascot.
As a son of Sea The Stars, he inherits stamina and a turn of foot, traits that have been evident in his performances over a range of distances. His Arc victory demonstrated his ability to handle a fast, sustained pace over 1½ miles, while his recent Ganay win confirmed his speed over ten furlongs. The upcoming Prix Aga Khan IV will test his adaptability at a slightly shorter trip, potentially sharpening his finishing kick for the Prince of Wales's Stakes, a race that demands both speed and stamina over ten furlongs at the demanding Ascot track.
If Daryz can replicate his form from the Ganay and the Arc, he will be a formidable challenger at Ascot. Trainers and jockeys will be keen to see how he handles the unique uphill finish and the swift early fractions typical of Royal Ascot meetings. Moreover, his ability to settle behind a strong pace and then accelerate could give him a tactical edge against rivals who may prefer to sit off the pace.
The broader racing community will be watching closely. Daryz’s connections have emphasized that they are not rushing him, preferring to give the horse time to develop further. This patient approach aligns with the Aga Khan Studs’ reputation for nurturing top‑class thoroughbreds over the long term.
By targeting a sequence of high‑profile Group One races, they aim to cement Daryz’s legacy as more than a one‑time Arc winner. In summary, after a flawless performance in the Prix Ganay, Daryz is set to embark on a carefully plotted campaign that includes a potential appearance at Royal Ascot’s Prince of Wales's Stakes.
With his pedigree, proven class, and the strategic guidance of his trainer and owners, he stands as one of the most exciting horses to watch in the upcoming summer season.