Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will aim for Royal Ascot following a flawless start to his campaign in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp, Paris. The four‑year‑old, a son of the legendary Sea The Stars, had already hinted at superstar potential after winning his first four starts as a three‑year‑old. Although he fell short in the Juddmonte International at York and was beaten in his subsequent home‑soil outing, he rebounded spectacularly by clinching a thrilling victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October. Going into the 10‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz entered as a clear favourite, and he lived up to the expectations.
He travelled powerfully from the start, and the only question was when jockey Mickael Barzalona would ask him to quicken. The moment Barzalona gave the command, the horse responded instantly, accelerating through the final stages to secure a decisive win. Bright Picture, ridden patiently, held on for second place, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure completed the podium in third.
Nemone Routh, manager for the Aga Khan Studs – the owners of Daryz – spoke to the Press Association after the race. She said, "We are obviously delighted with his performance in this seasonal debut – he was suitably impressive. We have always believed this horse is as good as he looks, and we expect him to improve further this year.
He is a very special animal, which is why we kept him in training to demonstrate that his Arc victory was not a one‑off performance. We have always held him in high regard, and today he has confirmed that he is a genuine Group One horse." The win prompted the betting market to shorten Daryz’s odds from 10‑1 to 5‑1 for a successful defence of his Arc title in the autumn. However, his connections have a series of high‑profile targets lined up before that.
The next major race on their calendar is the Prix Aga Khan IV – previously known as the Prix d’Ispahan – scheduled for next month. This race, run over nine and a half furlongs, is seen as an ideal stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Routh explained the strategic plan, "We intend to drop him back in distance for the Prix Aga Khan IV, which is a sharper test than today’s ten‑furlong race.
That won’t be a problem for Daryz, as he thrives on a strong, fast pace. He is happiest when he can stretch out his stride, and every rider who has partnered him remarks on his ability to handle any tempo. We are confident that a shorter trip will suit him perfectly and will serve as an excellent preparation for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Our roadmap for the first half of the year is clear: the Ganay, then the Prix Aga Khan IV, followed by the Prince of Wales’s at Ascot.
We are still working out the second half of the season, but the early plan is set." Daryz’s pedigree further underlines his potential. As a progeny of Sea The Stars, he inherits a blend of stamina and turn‑of‑the‑year speed that has produced numerous top‑class performers. His early career was marked by an unbeaten streak, and despite a brief dip in form, his Arc victory demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion against the world’s best. The Prix Ganay win confirms that his form is not a flash in the pan; rather, it signals a return to peak condition.
Looking ahead, the connections are eager to test Daryz over a variety of distances and ground conditions to fine‑tune his preparation. The Prince of Wales’s Stakes, a ten‑furlong contest at Ascot, will be a crucial indicator of his suitability for the autumn’s major events, including a potential repeat in the Arc. The team also acknowledges that the horse’s temperament and love for a brisk pace make him a versatile contender capable of adapting to different race dynamics.
In summary, Daryz’s dominant performance in the Prix Ganay has set the stage for an ambitious campaign targeting Royal Ascot’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes, with the Prix Aga Khan IV serving as a key preparatory race. The Aga Khan Studs remain confident that the horse will continue to improve, and they are determined to prove that his Arc triumph was no isolated achievement but the beginning of a sustained period of elite performance. The racing community will be watching closely as Daryz embarks on this carefully plotted journey toward further Group One glory.