Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will aim for Royal Ascot after the colt delivered a flawless start to his campaign by capturing the Prix Ganay at Longchamp in Paris. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars has already shown the makings of a superstar, having won his first four starts as a three‑year‑old last season. Although he fell short in the Juddmonte International at York and was beaten on his next outing back on home turf, Daryz rebounded spectacularly in October, delivering a thrilling performance to claim the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Going into the 10‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz entered as a hot favourite, expected to continue the momentum he had built earlier in the year. From the moment the gates opened, he travelled powerfully, and the only question was when jockey Mickael Barzalona would ask him to accelerate. The answer came quickly: the four‑year‑old surged forward, shifted gears seamlessly, and secured a decisive victory. Bright Picture, who had been ridden patiently throughout the race, finished a clear second, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure took third place.
Nemone Routh, the manager for the Aga Khan Studs—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; he was suitably impressive. We have always believed he possesses the quality to compete at the highest level, and this race confirms that belief.
He will likely improve further as the season progresses." Routh added that the decision to keep Daryz in training was driven by a desire to prove that his Arc triumph was no fluke. "He is a very special horse, and we wanted to demonstrate that his victory in the Arc was not a one‑off.
We have always held him in high regard, and today he has shown that he truly belongs among Group One winners," she said. Following his win, the betting market trimmed Daryz's odds from 10‑1 to 5‑1 for a potential repeat of his Arc success later in the autumn.
However, his connections have a number of other top‑level targets before that point. The next major race on their calendar is the Prix Aga Khan IV—formerly known as the Prix d'Ispahan—scheduled for next month. This event, run over nine and a half furlongs, is viewed as a logical stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Routh explained the strategy: "We intend to drop him back in distance for the Prix Aga Khan IV, which is a sharper trip than the Ganay.
Daryz thrives on a strong, fast pace; he is happiest when he can stride freely, and every rider who has partnered him remarks on his ability to adapt to any tempo." She continued, "We have no concerns about him handling a shorter distance. In fact, a race that emphasizes speed will serve as an excellent preparation for the Prince of Wales's Stakes, which falls at the perfect time in his campaign.
Our plan for the first half of the year is straightforward: the Ganay, then the Prix Aga Khan IV, and finally Ascot. We are still shaping the second half of the season, but this outlines our immediate objectives." The decision to target Royal Ascot reflects the confidence of the Aga Khan Studs in Daryz's versatility and class.
The Prince of Wales's Stakes, a 10‑furlong contest at Ascot, traditionally attracts the best middle‑distance horses from across Europe, and a win there would cement Daryz's status as a genuine champion capable of performing at the highest level on different tracks and under varying conditions. Beyond the immediate race schedule, Daryz's connections are also considering how to manage his training and recovery to maximize his performance throughout the season. The colt's pedigree, featuring the stamina and turn of foot inherited from Sea The Stars, provides a solid foundation for tackling both longer and shorter trips.
Moreover, his demonstrated ability to accelerate sharply in the final stages—evident in the Ganay and, of course, the Arc—makes him a formidable opponent for any rival. Fans of the sport have taken note of Daryz's resurgence, and his recent performances have generated considerable excitement among racing enthusiasts.
The combination of a strong pedigree, a proven record at the highest level, and a clear plan from his trainer and owners suggests that Daryz could become one of the defining horses of this generation. As the summer approaches, all eyes will be on his preparation for the Prix Aga Khan IV, where he will test his speed over a slightly shorter distance before stepping up to the prestigious Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. If he continues on his current trajectory, Daryz may well add another Group One victory to his résumé and further solidify his reputation as a top‑class thoroughbred capable of excelling on the international stage.