Kate Tracey, Callum Helliwell and Sam Boswell gather on the Weekend Winners programme to dissect the most promising betting opportunities as the racing calendar rolls into a bustling weekend both at home and overseas. The trio reviews form, jockey selections and race tactics, offering listeners a clear picture of where value may lie across a variety of events.
As the broadcast draws to a close, the conversation shifts 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 Prix Ganay, a ten‑furlong test for older horses, concluded last season with a win by Sosie, who later went on to finish third in the legendary Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
This year the race features six contenders, each hoping to claim the prestigious title and secure a stepping stone toward the summer’s marquee contests. Among the entries is Daryz, the horse that peaked in form during the previous season’s French showcase. Trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, Daryz returns to Longchamp with a solid supporting cast that includes Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and the mare Aventure, all of whom will be looking to upset the odds. One of the panelists explains their personal angle: “I’m backing the favourite Daryz in the Prix Ganay on Sunday, even though he was beaten by my own selection in his last outing of the previous season.
Aventure also lines up, but she endured a disastrous run in the Arc last year. She was drawn wide, never found a rhythm and sank through the field like a stone dropped in water.” The commentator continues, “She was far from a disgrace behind Calandagan last season, a horse that has shown rock‑solid form and is effectively the stable companion to the favourite. If Aventure is fit and eager, I think she could bounce back today.” The discussion then broadens to the wider racing news landscape.
Listeners are reminded that the At The Races app delivers breaking stories, in‑depth interviews and feature pieces straight to their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat in the fast‑moving world of thoroughbred sport. Another voice on the panel declares a shift in allegiance: “I will be siding with the Arc winner Daryz for the Prix Ganay on Sunday – the race will be shown live on Sky Sports Racing. I’m abandoning my French fancy in Aventure after her disappointment last time.” The conversation briefly touches on unrelated headlines, including former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle’s pursuit of Cheltenham Festival glory, Kalpana’s victory over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, legendary jockey Ryan Moore’s recent MBE award, and Aidan O’Brien’s four‑horse contingent for the Epsom Derby led by Benvenuto Cellini.
Additional items such as former jockey Levi Williams’ legal troubles are mentioned to illustrate the breadth of the sport’s coverage. Returning to the main topic, the panelists evaluate Daryz’s credentials. One analyst notes, “Daryz had a stellar campaign last year, despite a sub‑par performance in the Juddmonte International. He salvaged his reputation with a win in the Arc, which should give him confidence heading into his seasonal debut.
Mickaël Barzalona has a strong rapport with the horse, and even if fitness isn’t at peak levels, Daryz should still be competitive.” Further insight is offered on the strategic positioning of the race. The commentator reflects, “Looking back at the Arc last year, I tipped Daryz as the winner and he delivered. Now he re‑appears in the Prix Ganay, and the atmosphere in the Sky Sports Racing studio, especially from Graffard’s camp, feels a bit negative.
The horse’s next target will likely be the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, so some may view the Longchamp run as a preparatory step rather than a must‑win. That could make him vulnerable, but I’ll keep a watching brief based on what the connections say.” To help bettors understand the nuances, the panel breaks down each runner’s recent form. Daryz, a proven Group 1 performer, demonstrated a powerful turn of foot over ten furlongs in the Arc, handling a soft to heavy going with ease. His pedigree suggests stamina and a turn of foot, traits that suit the Longchamp turf.
Cualificar, while less experienced at the top level, has shown improvement in recent allowance races, posting respectable times over similar distances. Arrow Eagle, a seasoned campaigner, brings a tactical speed that could prove useful if the pace collapses early. Aventure, despite her disappointing Arc effort, possesses a strong cruising speed and could benefit from a more favorable draw this time around.
The experts also discuss jockey selections. Barzalona’s partnership with Daryz is highlighted as a key factor; his ability to settle a horse early and then ask for a decisive acceleration aligns with Daryz’s racing style. For Aventure, the choice of jockey remains crucial; a rider who can keep her calm and find a clear running line may unlock the mare’s latent ability. The panel suggests that any jockey who can navigate the wide draw and avoid traffic will have an edge.
In terms of betting strategy, the consensus leans toward Daryz as the primary selection, with odds reflecting his status as the favourite. However, the panel advises looking for value in the place market, where the long odds on Aventure and Arrow Eagle could yield attractive returns if the race unfolds with a fast early pace that drags the leaders back.
They also recommend monitoring the live odds up to race time, as late information about the horses’ fitness and track conditions can shift the market. Overall, the Prix Ganay promises to be a pivotal race in the early summer calendar, offering a glimpse of form for horses targeting the Royal Ascot meeting and beyond. Whether Daryz can reaffirm his dominance or an underdog like Aventure can stage a comeback will shape betting narratives for weeks to come. Listeners are encouraged to tune in to the live broadcast on Sky Sports Racing, watch the re‑run on the At The Races YouTube channel, and stay updated via the At The Races app for the latest odds, expert commentary and post‑race analysis.
The Weekend Winners team concludes by reminding fans that thoroughbred racing is as much about the stories behind the horses as it is about the finish line. By understanding each contender’s journey, form and connections, punters can make more informed decisions and enjoy the excitement that each race brings.