Kate Tracey, Callum Helliwell and Sam Boswell gather on the Weekend Winners programme to dissect the most promising betting opportunities for a thrilling 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 staged live from Longchamp in Paris at 3:25 pm on Sunday. The race, which was won last season by Sosie – the horse that later finished third in the Arc – will now feature six contenders vying for top honours over a demanding ten‑furlong distance.
Among the entries, Daryz returns as the clear favourite, having peaked in form for the previous year’s French classic. He will be guided once again by trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard, who also has Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and Aventure lined up as potential challengers. One of the panelists explains his personal wager: “I’m backing Daryz in the Prix Ganay despite the fact that he was beaten by my own selection in his last outing of the previous season. Aventure, who is also in the field, suffered a disastrous run in the Arc last year – she was drawn wide, never settled and sank through the pack like a stone in water.
"She wasn’t disgraceful, though; she finished behind Calandagan, a horse with rock‑solid form and a stablemate of the favourite. If she’s fit and eager this time, I think she can rebound and give us a good return.” The hosts also remind listeners that they can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature pieces via their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a story. Another voice on the show adds: “I’ll be siding with the Arc winner Daryz for the Prix Ganay on Sunday – the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
I’m abandoning my French fancy on Aventure after her disappointing performance last time.” The discussion then shifts to other headlines making the racing news cycle: Kalpana’s triumph over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, legendary jockey Ryan Moore receiving an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, and Aidan O’Brien’s four‑horse contingent led by Benvenuto Cellini for the Epsom Derby. Kevin Blake of At The Races shares his Derby day picks, while a separate story notes former jockey Levi Williams being jailed for the manslaughter of a pensioner he struck outside a pub. Andrew Balding also expresses confidence in Item’s stamina ahead of the Epsom classic. Returning to the Prix Ganay, the panelist who backs Daryz elaborates: “Daryz had an outstanding season last year, even though he fell short in the Juddmonte International.
He redeemed his stallion credentials with a victory in the Arc, and I expect him to dominate this field on his seasonal debut. Mickaël Barzalona has always clicked with him, and despite any concerns about fitness, I think the horse will be good enough to win.” A second commentator reflects on his previous success: “It was satisfying to look back at the Arc last year, having tipped Daryz as the winner.
He’s making his seasonal re‑appearance today, and the vibe from the Sky Sports Racing interviews with Graffard has been rather negative. His main target will be the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, so I suspect he’s beatable today, but I’m not entirely sure what to expect.
For now, I’ll treat it as a watching brief based on what the connections have said.” The conversation wraps up with a reminder that the full Weekend Winners programme is available on the At The Races YouTube channel, where fans can replay the analysis, hear the experts’ final picks and catch any last‑minute insights before the horses line up at Longchamp. In summary, the Prix Ganay presents a classic test of class and stamina over ten furlongs. Daryz enters as the hot favourite, backed by a trainer and jockey who have proven chemistry.
Aventure, while carrying the baggage of a poor Arc run, may yet rediscover her best form if she settles properly and receives a favourable draw. The remaining runners – Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and Calandagan – each bring their own credentials and could exploit any lapses from the leading contenders. Punters will need to weigh recent form, trainer comments, jockey partnerships and the likely pace scenario to decide whether to back the favourite, gamble on a rebound, or look for value in the outsiders.
Whether you are a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, the insights offered by Tracey, Helliwell and Boswell provide a solid foundation for making an informed decision on Sunday’s French Group 1 showdown.