Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will aim for Royal Ascot after the colt delivered a flawless start to his campaign by winning the Prix Ganay at Longchamp in Paris. The four‑year‑old, a son of the legendary Sea The Stars, has already shown signs of becoming a top‑class performer, having captured his first four starts last season. Although he fell short in the Juddmonte International at York and was beaten in his subsequent home‑soil outing, Daryz rebounded spectacularly in October, producing a thrilling victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Going into the 10‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz entered as a strong favourite, and he lived up to expectations.
He travelled with authority from the start, and once jockey Mickael Barzalona asked for his move, the response was instantaneous. The four‑year‑old surged forward, shifted into a higher gear, and crossed the line well ahead of his rivals. Bright Picture, who had been ridden patiently throughout, held on for second place, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure finished third. Nemone Routh, the 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 this horse has the potential to be as good as he is, and we expect him to improve further this year. He is a very special horse, which is why we kept him in training; we wanted to demonstrate that his Arc triumph was not a one‑off occurrence." Routh continued, "We have always held him in high regard, and today he has confirmed that he is a genuine Group One horse." The win also prompted a significant shift in the betting market, with Coral shortening Daryz's odds from 10‑1 to 5‑1 as he looks to defend his Arc title in the autumn. However, the connections have a clear roadmap for the coming months, with the Prix Aga Khan IV – previously known as the Prix d'Ispahan – earmarked as a key preparatory race before targeting the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
"We intend to drop the distance even further for his next start," Routh explained. "The Prix Aga Khan IV is run over nine and a half furlongs, which is slightly sharper than today's race.
We have no concerns about that because Daryz thrives on a strong pace. He is happiest when he can stretch out, and every rider who has partnered him says he can settle into any tempo." She added, "We hope the step back in distance will suit him perfectly and serve as an excellent preparation, as the race falls at the ideal time to lead into the Prince of Wales's Stakes. Our plan for the first half of the year is straightforward: the Ganay, then the Aga Khan IV, followed by Ascot.
We have yet to finalise the programme for the second half of the season, but that is the blueprint for now." Daryz's pedigree and racing record make him a compelling prospect for any major middle‑distance contest. As a progeny of Sea The Stars, he inherits a blend of stamina and turn of foot that has been evident in his performances.
His early career was marked by a flawless streak of four victories, establishing him as a potential superstar. The disappointment at York and the subsequent defeat on home ground could have been setbacks, but the colt responded with a dominant Arc win, proving his resilience and class. Looking ahead, the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot presents a perfect platform for Daryz to cement his status among the elite.
The race, run over a mile and a half, aligns well with his proven ability over ten furlongs and his anticipated adaptability to slightly shorter trips. Moreover, the Ascot meeting offers a prestigious stage that could enhance his reputation and increase his value as a future stallion. The Aga Khan Studs have been strategic in managing Daryz's campaign, ensuring he receives suitable prep races that build fitness without overtaxing him.
By targeting the Prix Aga Khan IV, they aim to sharpen his speed and test his versatility over a shorter distance, which should serve him well when he steps up to the longer, more tactical demands of the Prince of Wales's Stakes. In summary, Daryz's impressive display at the Prix Ganay has set the tone for an ambitious season. With his connections confident in his ability to improve further, the colt is poised to tackle a series of high‑profile races, culminating in a bid for glory at Royal Ascot.
Fans and punters alike will be watching closely as he progresses, eager to see whether he can replicate his Arc heroics and add more Group One victories to his résumé.