Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will aim for Royal Ascot after the horse produced a flawless start to his campaign by winning the Prix Ganay at Longchamp in Paris. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars appeared to be on a trajectory toward superstardom, having captured his first four starts as a three‑year‑old last season. Although he fell short in the Juddmonte International at York and was beaten in his subsequent home‑soil outing, Daryz rebounded spectacularly by delivering a thrilling performance in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October, securing a memorable victory that cemented his reputation. In the recent ten‑furlong Group One contest, Daryz entered as a hot favourite, expected to continue the form he displayed in the Arc.
From the moment the gates opened, he travelled with authority, covering the distance powerfully. The key question was when jockey Mickaël Barzalona would ask for the finish, and the answer came almost instantly. The four‑year‑old surged forward, shifting gears seamlessly and crossing the line ahead of a strong field. Bright Picture, who had been ridden patiently throughout, managed to finish second, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure took third place.
Nemone Routh, manager for the Aga Khan Studs – the owners of Daryz in France – spoke to the Press Association, expressing delight at the horse’s performance. “We’re obviously very happy with that for his seasonal debut – he was suitably impressive,” she said.
“We always hoped this was as good as he is and he will probably come on for that race – he’s still got a bit more improvement to come I think this year.” Routh emphasized the colt’s special qualities, noting that the decision to keep him in training was driven by a desire to prove that his Arc triumph was no flash in the pan. “We have always held him in high regard and I think today he’s proved he is a proper Group One horse,” she added.
The betting public responded quickly, with Coral cutting Daryz’s odds from 10‑1 to 5‑1, reflecting confidence that he could defend his Arc title come autumn. However, his connections have a series of high‑profile targets lined up before that ultimate goal. The next major race on their calendar is the Prix Aga Khan IV – formerly known as the Prix d’Ispahan – scheduled for next month. This race, run over nine and a half furlongs, is viewed as an ideal stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
Routh explained the strategic plan, saying, “I think we’re going to drop him back even further (in trip) now as he’s going to go for the Prix Aga Khan IV, which is over nine and a half furlongs, so it’s even a bit sharper than today.” She stressed that the team has no concerns about the shorter distance, as Daryz thrives on a brisk pace. “He’s a horse who loves a fast pace in a race – he’s actually at his happiest when he can stride out and anyone that rides him says he gives you a feeling that he can follow any pace,” Routh noted. The connections view the upcoming race as a perfect preparation for Ascot, falling at an optimal point in the season to sharpen the colt’s form. “We hope he’ll be fine dropping back even further and it’s just a very good prep as it falls at the right time for getting him to the Prince of Wales’s Stakes,” Routh said.
The overall plan for the first half of the year, according to the manager, is straightforward: “The idea that we had in our minds was the Ganay today, the Prix Aga Khan IV and then the Prince of Wales’s at Ascot. We haven’t quite figured out what we’re doing for the second half of the year, but that’s the plan for the first half of the year.” Daryz’s resurgence has captured the imagination of racing fans worldwide. After a disappointing run in the Juddmonte International, many wondered whether the colt could return to his best.
The emphatic victory in the Prix Ganay has silenced doubters, showcasing his versatility over a range of distances and his ability to accelerate sharply when asked. His pedigree, being out of the great Sea The Stars, adds an extra layer of intrigue, as enthusiasts anticipate how his genetic legacy will translate into future successes. Looking ahead, the team’s focus will be on maintaining the horse’s fitness and mental sharpness.
Training regimes will likely emphasize speed work to suit the shorter distance of the Prix Aga Khan IV, while also ensuring that Daryz remains fresh enough to tackle the demanding mile‑and‑half of the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. The jockey, Mickaël Barzalona, will play a crucial role in timing the horse’s runs, as his partnership with Daryz has already proven effective.
If Daryz can replicate his recent form, he could become a dominant force in the middle‑distance division throughout the summer and into the autumn. A successful run at Royal Ascot would not only enhance his reputation but also boost his value as a future breeding stallion, given his illustrious lineage and proven Group One credentials. In summary, Daryz’s impressive performance in the Prix Ganay has set the stage for an ambitious campaign targeting some of the sport’s most prestigious races.
With the support of his trainer, owner, and jockey, and a clear plan laid out by the Aga Khan Studs, the colt is poised to make a significant impact on the European racing calendar, beginning with the Prix Aga Khan IV and culminating in a potential showdown at the Prince of Wales’s Stakes in June.