Kate Tracey, Callum Helliwell and Sam Boswell gather on the Weekend Winners programme to dissect the most promising betting opportunities as the racing calendar fills up with high‑profile events 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 transmitted live from Longchamp in Paris at 3:25 p.m. on Sunday.
The race, which was won last season by Sosie – the horse that later finished third in the Arc – now features a six‑horse field vying for top honours over a demanding ten‑furlong distance. Among the entrants, Daryz returns to defend his reputation after a dominant performance in the previous year’s French classic.
Trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard has also entered Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and the filly Aventure, each of which will be looking to upset the favourite. One of the panelists explains his rationale: “I’m backing the favourite 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 is also in the field, but she suffered a disastrous run in the Arc last year.
She was drawn wide, never found a rhythm and essentially sank through the pack like a stone dropped in water. "She was far from a disgraceful effort behind Calandagan last season – Calandagan is a rock‑solid performer and the stablemate of the favourite. If Aventure is fit and eager this time, I think she could rebound to her true form.” The show also promotes its mobile platform, urging listeners to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories via their smartphones. Another voice on the panel adds a contrasting viewpoint: “I will stick with the Arc winner Daryz for the Prix Ganay, which will be shown live on Sky Sports Racing.
I’m abandoning my French fancy on Aventure after her disappointing showing previously.” The discussion then shifts to a series of racing headlines that have dominated the press: - Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, is now chasing Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. - At Ascot, Kalpana edged out Calandagan in a thrilling King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
- Legendary jockey Ryan Moore was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. - In the Derby, Benvenuto Cellini leads a four‑horse Aidan O'Brien contingent for the Epsom Classic. - Epsom tipster Kevin Blake of At The Races shares his selections for Derby day.
- Former jockey Levi Williams was sentenced to prison for the manslaughter of a pensioner he struck outside a pub. Returning to the Prix Ganay analysis, a third commentator offers a more detailed assessment of Daryz: “Daryz enjoyed an outstanding season last year, even though he fell short in the Juddmonte International. He salvaged his stud prospects with a victory in the Arc, and I believe he should dominate this field on his seasonal debut.
Mickael Barzalona rides him exceptionally well, and despite any lingering fitness concerns, Daryz has the class to win. "Reflecting on last year’s Arc, where I correctly tipped Daryz as the winner, the mood surrounding his return has been mixed.
Interviews with Francis‑Henri Graffard on Sky Sports Racing have been somewhat negative, suggesting the horse may not be at his peak. "His primary target for the season will be the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, so the connections might treat the Prix Ganay as a preparatory run.
That makes him potentially vulnerable today, but I’m not certain how much. For now, I’ll adopt a watching brief and see how the race unfolds based on the trainer’s comments and the horse’s condition on the day.” The panel concludes by reminding listeners that the full episode of Weekend Winners is available on the At The Races YouTube channel, where fans can re‑watch the in‑depth analysis, hear the experts’ final picks, and stay informed about the ever‑changing landscape of elite flat racing. The discussion underscores the excitement surrounding the Prix Ganay, a race that not only offers a substantial purse but also serves as a key indicator of form ahead of the summer’s major festivals, making it a focal point for punters and enthusiasts alike.