Kate Tracey, Callum Helliwell and Sam Boswell gather on the Weekend Winners programme to dissect the most promising betting opportunities as the racing calendar heats up both domestically and internationally. Their conversation runs the gamut from early‑season form to late‑season classics, before they turn 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 Prix Ganay, traditionally the first major French Group 1 of the year, will feature six runners contesting a ten‑furlong (approximately 2,000 metres) trip. The field is highlighted by the previous season’s Arc victor, Sosie, who captured third place in the Arc before clinching the Prix Ganay title. Returning to defend his crown is the French‑trained colt Daryz, campaigned by trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. Daryz will be joined by a quartet of challengers that include Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and the mare Aventure, each hoping to upset the favorite’s plans.
One of the panelists offered a personal perspective on the rivalry, stating: “I’m backing the favourite Daryz in the Prix Ganay on Sunday, even though he bested my selection in his most recent outing last season. Aventure is also in the mix, but she suffered a disastrous run in the Arc last year. Drawn wide and unsettled, she never found a rhythm and fell back like a stone sinking in water. "She wasn’t disgracefully beaten by Calandagan last season – Calandagan is a rock‑solid performer and the stablemate of the favourite.
If Aventure is fit and eager, I think she can bounce back today and give the field a real run for its money." The discussion then shifted to broader racing news, reminding listeners that they can stay up‑to‑date with the latest interviews, features and race previews on their mobile devices. The panel also touched on a series of unrelated headlines that illustrate the sport’s wide‑reaching appeal: Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, is now targeting Cheltenham Festival success with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi; Kalpana triumphed over Calandagan in a thrilling King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot; legendary jockey Ryan Moore was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours; and Benvenuto Cellini leads an Aidan O’Brien‑led quartet in the Epsom Derby, with Kevin Blake of At The Races providing his own Derby selections.
In a more somber note, former jockey Levi Williams was sentenced to prison for the manslaughter of a pensioner after a violent altercation outside a pub, underscoring that the sport is not immune to off‑track controversies. Returning to the Prix Ganay, the panelist who supports Daryz elaborated on his reasoning: “Daryz enjoyed a superb campaign last year, despite a disappointing run in the Juddmonte International.
He salvaged his reputation with a decisive Arc win, and I expect him to dominate this field on his seasonal debut. Mickaël Barzalona rides him superbly, and even if his fitness isn’t perfect, the horse’s class should see him through.” Another commentator reflected on the previous year’s Arc, noting that Daryz had been their tip for the victory. “He’s making his seasonal re‑appearance today, and the mood from Sky Sports Racing interviews with Graffard has been rather cautious.
His main target remains the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, so I think he could be vulnerable in the Ganay. I’ll adopt a watching brief and see how the connections’ comments shape up.” To provide context for listeners unfamiliar with the race’s significance, the Prix Ganay is often used as a springboard toward the spring classics and the summer middle‑distance program.
A win here not only secures a valuable Group 1 black type but also positions a horse as a leading contender for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, the Coronation Cup and potentially the Arc itself later in the season. Trainers will be keen to gauge their horses’ fitness after a winter break, while jockeys will look to establish early momentum.
A deeper look at the entrants reveals contrasting profiles. Daryz, a four‑year‑old bay colt, displayed a powerful turn of foot in the Arc, accelerating past the field in the final furlong.
His pedigree blends stamina and speed, making him well suited to the ten‑furlong distance. Cualificar, on the other hand, is a lightly‑raced outsider who showed promise in a recent allowance race, suggesting he could be a dark horse if the pace collapses.
Arrow Eagle, a proven Group‑level performer, brings experience over similar trips and may benefit from a tactical ride that sits him just off the pace. Aventure, despite her disappointing Arc effort, possesses a strong turn of foot when settled, and a more favorable draw could allow her to unleash that speed.
Betting markets are reflecting these nuances. At the time of writing, Daryz is listed as the 3/1 favourite, with Aventure at 7/2, Cualificar at 9/1 and Arrow Eagle at 11/2. The panel advises punters to consider the weight‑for‑age scale and the impact of the draw; a wide barrier could disadvantage the front‑running types, while a middle draw may give a tactical advantage to horses that prefer to sit off the pace. For those planning to watch the race, Sky Sports Racing will provide live coverage, including pre‑race interviews with trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard and jockey Mickaël Barzalona.
Their insights will likely shed light on Daryz’s fitness level after a brief winter break, as well as any adjustments made to the horse’s training regimen. In summary, the Prix Ganay promises an intriguing clash between a proven champion and several eager challengers. While Daryz enters as the clear favourite, the panelists acknowledge that Aventure, Cualificar and Arrow Eagle each possess the credentials to cause an upset, particularly if race dynamics unfold in their favour. Listeners are encouraged to tune in, follow the live commentary, and consider the nuanced betting angles presented throughout the discussion.
Watch the full Weekend Winners episode on the At The Races YouTube channel for a comprehensive review of the racecards, expert tips and behind‑the‑scenes footage.