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 at home and overseas. As the discussion wound down, the trio turned their attention to the upcoming Prix Ganay, a Group 1 contest that will be broadcast live from Longchamp in Paris at 3:25 p.m. on Sunday.
The race, run over ten furlongs, will feature six contenders all vying for the top prize. The field includes the previous season's Arc third‑placer Sosie, who captured the race last term, and a host of other high‑profile horses. Among them is Daryz, the current favourite, who returns under the guidance of trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard after a strong performance in the French classic last year.
Also lined up are Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and Aventure, each hoping to upset the odds. One of the panelists offered a candid assessment of Aventure's prospects: "I am taking on the favourite Daryz in the Prix Ganay on Sunday, even though he beat my selection in his most recent performance last season. Aventure lines up here and she had a nightmare of a race in the Arc last year. Drawn wide and keen she never got a chance to settle, and she dropped through the field like a heavy stone in water." He continued, "She was far from disgraced behind Calandagan last season which is rock‑solid form and the stable companion to the favourite.
She gets weight off the boys this time around and, if she is fit and raring to go, I think she will bounce back to form today." The commentator emphasized that Aventure's poor showing in the Arc should not be taken as a permanent flaw; rather, a change in tactics and a more favorable draw could see her regain her competitive edge. The panel also highlighted the broader context of the race. The Prix Ganay traditionally serves as a springboard for horses targeting the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, and many connections view it as a key indicator of form heading into the summer season. Daryz, despite a disappointing run in the Juddmonte International, redeemed himself with a victory in the Arc, securing his reputation as a top‑class middle‑distance performer.
His jockey, Mickael Barzalona, has built a strong rapport with the horse, and the panelist noted, "He should be good enough on seasonal debut despite fitness not being on his side." Another voice on the show expressed a more cautious outlook on Daryz: "I will be siding with the Arc winner Daryz for the Prix Ganay on Sunday – live on Sky Sports Racing. I'm deserting my French fancy in Aventure after her disappointment last time." This sentiment reflects the common betting strategy of backing proven Group 1 winners while remaining wary of horses that have shown vulnerability under pressure. Beyond the immediate race, the programme touched on several other racing headlines.
Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, is now chasing Cheltenham Festival glory with the horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. At Ascot, Kalpana managed to defeat Calandagan in a thrilling King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes duel.
Legendary jockey Ryan Moore was honoured with an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours, underscoring his lasting impact on the sport. In the world of classic races, Benvenuto Cellini heads a four‑horse Aidan O'Brien contingent for the Epsom Derby, while At The Races analyst Kevin Blake offered his Derby day selections. The show also reported on a serious legal matter involving former jockey Levi Williams, who was sentenced for the manslaughter of a pensioner after a pub altercation. Returning to the Prix Ganay, the panelists examined the form lines in greater depth.
Daryz's win in the Arc was achieved despite a sub‑par showing in the Juddmonte International, suggesting resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. His trainer, Graffard, has spoken positively about the horse's condition, though some interview excerpts on Sky Sports Racing hinted at lingering concerns about his fitness after a winter break. The panelist remarked, "His main target will be the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot so I think he is beatable today, but I don't know what with. I think it will be just a watching brief for me with what connections have said so far." Aventure, on the other hand, is viewed as a horse with untapped potential.
Her performance in the Arc was hampered by a wide draw and a lack of rhythm, causing her to drift through the field without finding a clear running line. However, the panel believes that a more favourable post position and a race that suits her stamina could see her re‑emerge as a serious contender. "If she is fit and raring to go, I think she will bounce back to form today," one pundit reiterated, emphasizing the importance of her physical condition and race‑day temperament. In summary, the upcoming Prix Ganay promises a compelling clash between the seasoned favourite Daryz and a field of capable challengers, including the potentially rejuvenated Aventure.
Bettors will need to weigh Daryz's proven Group 1 credentials against the uncertainty surrounding his fitness, while also considering whether Aventure can translate her latent ability into a winning performance under more favourable circumstances. The race will not only determine the immediate winner but also shape the narrative for the summer campaign, influencing decisions for the Prince of Wales's Stakes, the King George, and other major events.
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