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 in the UK 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 transmitted live from Longchamp in Paris at 3:25 p.m. on Sunday. The race, which was won last season by Sosie—who later finished third in the Arc—will feature six horses battling over a demanding ten‑furlong distance.
After a strong performance in the Arc, Daryz is back under the tutelage of Francis‑Henri Graffard, joining a field that includes Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and the mare Aventure, each hoping to make an impact. One of the panelists explained his reasoning for backing the race favourite, Daryz, despite the horse having bested his own selection in the most recent outing of the previous season. "I’m still taking Daryz as my pick for the Prix Ganay on Sunday," he said, "even though he out‑performed my chosen runner in his last run last year. Aventure is also in the mix, but she had a disastrous run in the Arc last year.
She was drawn wide, never settled and essentially sank through the field like a stone dropped into water." He continued, "She wasn’t a disgraceful effort behind Calandagan last season—Calandagan is a rock‑solid performer and the stable companion of the favourite—but she was weighed down by the race conditions. If she comes in fit and eager, I think she could bounce back today." The panel also reminded listeners that they can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories via their mobile devices, encouraging fans to download the app for real‑time updates. Another voice on the show declared a clear preference for Daryz, stating, "I will be siding with the Arc winner Daryz for the Prix Ganay on Sunday – live on Sky Sports Racing. I’m abandoning my French fancy on Aventure after her disappointment last time." The discussion then shifted briefly to other notable racing headlines: Kalpana’s triumph over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, legendary jockey Ryan Moore receiving an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, and Aidan O'Brien fielding a four‑horse contingent for the Epsom Derby, with Benvenuto Cellini leading the charge.
Kevin Blake of At The Races offered his Derby selections, while a separate story covered former jockey Levi Williams being jailed for manslaughter after a violent altercation outside a pub. Andrew Balding also expressed confidence in Item’s stamina ahead of the Derby.
Returning to the Prix Ganay, the commentator praised Daryz’s previous season, noting that despite a disappointing run in the Juddmonte International, the horse secured his legacy with an Arc victory, effectively safeguarding his future as a stallion. "He should be able to beat this field on his seasonal debut, and Mickael Barzalona gets on very well with him," the analyst said.
"Even if his fitness isn’t perfect, his class should carry him through." Further reflections highlighted the panel’s recollection of the 2023 Arc, where Daryz was correctly tipped as the winner. The horse’s return to the track is generating mixed feelings among the Sky Sports Racing interview crew, with some expressing skepticism about his preparation. "His main target will be the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, so I think he is beatable today," one pundit admitted, "but I’m not sure what to expect.
I’ll probably just watch and see what the connections say." The conversation underscored the strategic considerations that go into selecting a winner for a high‑profile Group 1 race. Factors such as recent form, ground conditions, draw position, and the quality of the competition all play a part. For Daryz, his proven ability over ten furlongs, a strong jockey partnership, and the backing of a top trainer make him a compelling choice.
Aventure, meanwhile, offers a potential upset if she can overcome the issues that hampered her Arc performance—namely a wide draw and a lack of early settling. Beyond the immediate race, the panel touched on the broader implications for the season. A strong showing in the Prix Ganay could set the tone for the spring campaign, influencing entries for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, the Eclipse, and possibly the next year’s Arc.
Conversely, a sub‑par run might prompt connections to adjust their plans, perhaps targeting shorter distances or different venues. Listeners were encouraged to tune in to the full Weekend Winners episode on the At The Races YouTube channel for a deeper dive into the analysis, as well as to follow the live broadcast on Sky Sports Racing for real‑time updates and post‑race reactions. In summary, the experts on Weekend Winners presented a clear endorsement for Daryz as the leading contender in the Prix Ganay, while acknowledging that Aventure could provide value if she manages to rediscover her form. The race promises to be a pivotal moment in the early European season, offering both a test of class for established stars and a chance for emerging talent to make a statement on the prestigious Longchamp turf.