Kate Tracey, Callum Helliwell and Sam Boswell gathered on the Weekend Winners programme to dissect the most promising betting strategies for an action‑packed racing weekend both in Britain and overseas. As the discussion wound down, the trio turned their attention to the upcoming Prix Ganay, a Group 1 contest staged at Longchamp in Paris at 3:25 p.m.
on Sunday. The race, a ten‑furlong test for six contenders, follows the recent triumph of Sosie, who finished third in the Arc and secured the previous edition of the Prix Ganay.
This year the field includes a mix of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent, all eager to claim the top prize. Among the entries, Daryz returns to the French circuit under the guidance of trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard.
The horse, who was the favourite in last season's Arc, will be opposed by the likes of Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and the filly Aventure, each of which has a realistic chance of upsetting the odds. One of the panelists explained his reasoning: "I am backing the favourite Daryz in the Prix Ganay on Sunday, despite the fact that he was beaten by my own selection in his last outing of the previous season. Aventure is also in the mix, but she endured a disastrous run in the Arc last year.
Drawn wide and unsettled, she never found her rhythm and was dragged through the field like a stone sinking in water. "She was far from disgraceful when she finished behind Calandagan last season, a horse that has shown rock‑solid form and serves as the stable companion to the favourite. If Aventure is fit and eager this time, she could shed the weight of last year's disappointment and rebound to her best form." The broadcast reminded listeners to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories via their mobile devices, promising a constant stream of content for the modern fan. Another voice on the show offered a contrasting viewpoint: "I will be siding with the Arc winner Daryz for the Prix Ganay on Sunday – live on Sky Sports Racing.
I am abandoning my French fancy in Aventure after her let‑down in the previous race." The segment then shifted to a rapid‑fire round of headlines, covering a variety of topics from Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker now chasing Cheltenham Festival glory with Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, to Kalpana's triumph over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. The panel also noted the recent honour bestowed on legendary jockey Ryan Moore, who received an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours, and previewed the Derby, where Benvenuto Cellini leads a four‑horse Aidan O'Brien contingent for the Epsom Classic. Additional tips from Kevin Blake of At The Races for Derby day, a sobering story about former jockey Levi Williams being jailed for manslaughter, and a host of other racing news rounded out the bulletin. Returning to the Prix Ganay, one commentator reflected on Daryz's previous campaign: "Daryz enjoyed a stellar season last year, even though he fell short in the Juddmonte International.
He rescued his stallion prospects with a victory in the Arc, and I believe he should dominate this field on his seasonal debut. Mickael Barzalona rides him with great rapport, and despite some fitness concerns, Daryz has the class to win. "It was fascinating to revisit the Arc of last year, where I correctly tipped Daryz as the winner. He re‑emerges today, and the mood from the Sky Sports Racing interviews with Francis‑Henri Graffard has been cautiously optimistic.
"His main target for the season will be the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, so while he is certainly a top contender today, I think the race will be a valuable stepping stone rather than a final destination. I will adopt a watching brief, given the comments from his connections." The discussion highlighted several tactical considerations for bettors. Daryz, having previously excelled over ten furlongs, is expected to settle mid‑pack before making a decisive move in the straight, a strategy that has served him well in the past. Barzalona's familiarity with the horse's quirks – especially his tendency to relax too early – could prove pivotal.
Meanwhile, Aventure's wide draw may force her to race on the outside, but if she can locate a clear run, her turn of foot could surprise the field. The other runners, Cualificar and Arrow Eagle, bring speed and stamina in equal measure, suggesting a potentially close finish. In addition to the on‑track analysis, the panel offered broader context about the Prix Ganay's place in the European racing calendar.
As a traditional early‑season Group 1, it often serves as a barometer for form ahead of the summer's marquee events, including the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Eclipse, and the International Stakes. A strong performance here can boost a horse's stud value and influence weight‑for‑age rankings. Listeners were encouraged to tune in to the full Weekend Winners programme on the At The Races YouTube channel, where they can watch the panel's in‑depth breakdowns, hear expert interviews, and gain access to exclusive betting tips. The show promises to keep fans informed and entertained throughout the bustling weekend of racing, both at home and abroad.