Kate Tracey, Callum Helliwell and Sam Boswell gathered on the Weekend Winners programme to dissect the most promising betting opportunities for an action‑packed racing weekend both at home and overseas. As the broadcast drew to a close, the trio turned their attention to the upcoming Prix Ganay, a Group 1 contest that will be streamed live from Longchamp in Paris at 3:25 pm on Sunday. The race, won last season by Sosie – who later finished third in the Arc – will feature six contenders battling over a demanding ten‑furlong distance. After peaking in the previous year’s French classic, Daryz returns to the track under the guidance of trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard, joining a field that also includes Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and the mare Aventure.
One of the panelists explained her personal wager: “I’m backing the favorite Daryz for the Prix Ganay on Sunday, even though his most recent outing last season saw him lose to my own selection. Aventure is also in the lineup, but she suffered a disastrous run in the Arc last year.
Drawn wide and keen, she never settled and sank through the field like a heavy stone in water. "She wasn’t disgraced, though – she finished well behind Calandagan last season, a horse with rock‑solid form who happens to be the stable companion of the favourite.
If she is fit and eager this time, I think she can rebound to her best form today." The show reminded listeners that they can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories on their mobile devices. The host then reiterated his own pick: “I will 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 previous disappointment.
In related coverage, Hollie Doyle’s blog highlighted a Paris‑bred filly as her top choice for the 2000 Guineas day rides, while also previewing the Royal Ascot Trials. Sky Sports Racing also featured a preview of the French Derby, pitting Dolmalan against Montreal at Chantilly, and offered a look ahead at flat horses to watch in 2026. Other headlines included the reinstatement of Gstaad into the Newmarket 2000 Guineas mix after an administrative error by Aidan O'Brien, a preview of the Silver Trophy at Ripon featuring Seven Questions and Dyonisos, and a report on Derby hopeful Raaheeb delivering a stylish Classic Trial performance at Sandown, upholding his family’s racing legacy. Returning to the Prix Ganay, one commentator praised Daryz’s previous season: “He had a stellar campaign last year, despite a disappointing run in the Juddmonte International, and he rescued his stud prospects with a victory in the Arc.
I expect him to dominate this field on his seasonal debut, especially with Mickael Barzalona riding him so fluently. Even if his fitness isn’t perfect, he should still be the class of the race.” Another analyst reflected on the previous year’s Arc, noting that Daryz had been their tip for the winner.
“He re‑emerges 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 think he is beatable today, but I’m not sure what the exact odds are.
I’ll treat it as a watching brief based on the comments from his connections.” The panel also discussed the broader context of the French racing calendar. The Prix Ganay often serves as a key early‑season test for middle‑distance horses, offering a glimpse of form ahead of summer festivals such as Royal Ascot and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Trainers use the ten‑furlong contest to gauge whether their horses can handle the step up to twelve furlongs later in the season, or whether they should be aimed at shorter Group 1 events. For punters, the race presents several angles. Daryz, as the odds‑on favourite, offers a straightforward win bet, but his recent defeat to a lower‑rated rival could open value on the second‑favorite if the market overestimates his form.
Aventure, despite her poor Arc performance, may be undervalued if she has recovered from the wide draw and is now in better condition. Cualificar and Arrow Eagle, both proven at the Group level, could also provide attractive place or each‑way options. In terms of jockey selections, Mickael Barzalona’s partnership with Daryz is a notable factor. Barzalona has a reputation for timing his rides perfectly in middle‑distance contests, often delivering a decisive late surge.
If he can settle Daryz early and keep him relaxed, the horse’s turn of foot should be enough to outpace the field in the final furlong. Conversely, the jockey aboard Aventure will need to navigate a potentially tricky run. A wide draw combined with a fast early pace could force the mare to race wide for much of the trip, expending valuable energy.
A patient ride that saves ground and waits for a clear run in the home straight could restore some of the confidence lost in the Arc. Overall, the Prix Ganay promises to be an engaging contest that will set the tone for the European middle‑distance season. Whether Daryz confirms his status as the leading contender or an outsider like Aventure or Arrow Eagle pulls off an upset, the race will provide plenty of material for bettors and racing enthusiasts alike. Fans can watch the full Weekend Winners programme on the At The Races YouTube channel, where the discussion continues and additional insights are offered as the race day approaches.