Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will be aimed at Royal Ascot following a flawless start to his three‑year‑old campaign in the Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars displayed the kind of brilliance that suggests he could become a modern superstar, having already secured four consecutive victories in his juvenile season. Although his form dipped slightly in the Juddmonte International at York and he was edged out in his next home‑soil outing, Daryz responded emphatically by capturing a thrilling Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October, confirming his status as a top‑class performer. In the 10‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz entered as the overwhelming favourite, and he lived up to expectations.
From the start he travelled powerfully, covering the early stages with a stride that hinted at the stamina and speed required for elite middle‑distance races. The real question was when jockey Mickael Barzalona would ask for the run. As soon as he gave the command, Daryz accelerated instantly, shifting into a higher gear and pulling away to secure a decisive victory. His triumph was underscored by the performance of Bright Picture, who, after a patient ride, held on for second place, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure rounded out the placings in third.
Nemone Routh, the manager representing the Aga Khan Studs – the owners of Daryz in France – spoke to the Press Association after the race, expressing genuine delight at the colt's debut performance of the season. \"We are obviously very pleased with how he looked today. He was suitably impressive,\" Routh said.
\"We have always believed he possesses the talent to be among the very best, and this race confirms that belief. He will likely improve further as the season progresses.\" Routh continued, emphasizing the long‑term plan for the horse.
\"He is a very special animal, which is why we kept him in training rather than retiring him after his Arc win. We wanted to demonstrate that his Arc victory was not a one‑off, but a genuine indication of his ability.\" The manager added that the team has always held Daryz in high regard, and today’s performance cemented his status as a true Group One competitor. Following the win, the betting market responded quickly, shortening Daryz's odds from 10‑1 to 5‑1 for a potential repeat of his Arc triumph later in the autumn. However, his connections have already mapped out a series of high‑profile targets before that ultimate goal.
The next major test is expected to be 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, will serve as a stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Routh explained the strategic shift in distance: \"We intend to drop him back even further in trip now, as the Prix Aga Khan IV is shorter and sharper than the Ganay.
Daryz thrives on a strong, fast pace and is happiest when he can stretch his stride. Anyone who has ridden him will tell you he can handle any tempo.\" He expressed confidence that the colt would handle the shorter distance with ease, noting that the race would provide an ideal preparation for the Ascot contest. The manager outlined the broader plan for the first half of the year: \"Our roadmap is simple – the Ganay today, then the Prix Aga Khan IV, followed by the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Ascot.
We have not yet finalized the program for the second half of the year, but the early season targets are clear.\" The decision to keep Daryz in training rather than retiring him after his Arc victory reflects a commitment to proving his consistency at the highest level. By targeting a series of prestigious Group One races, the Aga Khan Studs aim to showcase the colt's versatility across a range of distances and conditions.
The upcoming Prix Aga Khan IV will test his speed and tactical adaptability, while the Prince of Wales's Stakes will demand a blend of stamina and turn‑of‑foot acceleration – qualities Daryz has already demonstrated in abundance. If Daryz can replicate his dominant display from Longchamp, he will arrive at Royal Ascot as one of the leading contenders for the Prince of Wales's Stakes, a race that often serves as a benchmark for the best middle‑distance horses in Europe. The combination of his impeccable pedigree, proven Group One experience, and the strategic planning of his connections positions him as a genuine threat to the established elite. Fans and punters alike will be watching closely, as the betting markets are likely to respond to his continued success.
The early odds shortening after the Ganay suggests that confidence in his ability to perform at the highest level is already building. Should he add another Group One victory at the Prix Aga Khan IV, his odds for the Prince of Wales's Stakes could shorten dramatically, making him a favourite for the Ascot meeting.
In summary, Daryz's flawless performance in the Prix Ganay has set the stage for an ambitious campaign that includes a key prep race in the Prix Aga Khan IV and a targeted run in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. The Aga Khan Studs, under the guidance of Francis‑Henri Graffard and manager Nemone Routh, appear intent on cementing Daryz's reputation as a consistent, world‑class performer rather than a one‑time Arc winner. The forthcoming months will reveal whether his early-season dominance can be sustained against the best competition in Europe, but the signs are overwhelmingly positive for this remarkable son of Sea The Stars.