Kate Tracey, Callum Helliwell and Sam Boswell gathered on the Weekend Winners programme to dissect the most promising betting opportunities as the racing calendar filled with high‑profile meetings at home and abroad. As the episode drew to a close, the trio turned their attention to the upcoming Prix Ganay, a Group 1 contest staged at Longchamp in Paris and slated for a 3:25 p.m.
live broadcast on Sunday. The race, won last season by Sosie – who later placed third in the Arc – will feature six contenders battling over a demanding ten‑furlong distance. Among the entries, Daryz returns as the clear favourite under the tutelage of trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. He will be joined by Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and the mare Aventure, each hoping to upset the odds.
One of the panelists offered a candid assessment of Aventure's prospects: "I’m taking a chance on the favourite Daryz in the Prix Ganay, even though he bested my pick in his most recent outing last season. Aventure is also in the field, but she endured a disastrous run in the Arc last year. Drawn wide and unsettled, she never found a rhythm and sank through the pack like a stone dropped in water." The commentator continued, "She was far from a disgrace behind Calandagan last season, who is a rock‑solid performer and the stable companion to the favourite.
If Aventure is fit and eager this time, I believe she can rebound to her former level." The show reminded listeners that they can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories on their mobile devices, encouraging them to explore further content. Another voice on the panel declared, "I will back 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 previous disappointment." The discussion then shifted to a series of racing headlines: Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, is now pursuing Cheltenham Festival glory with horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi; at Ascot, Kalpana edged out Calandagan in a thrilling King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes duel; legendary jockey Ryan Moore received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours; Benvenuto Cellini leads a four‑horse Aidan O'Brien contingent for the Epsom Derby; At The Races analyst Kevin Blake offered his Derby day selections; and former jockey Levi Williams was sentenced for manslaughter after a violent incident outside a pub. Returning to Daryz, a panelist praised his previous season, noting, "Daryz had an excellent campaign last year, despite a disappointing run in the Juddmonte International.
He salvaged his reputation with a victory in the Arc, and I expect him to dominate this field on his seasonal debut. Mickael Barzalona rides him superbly, and even if his fitness isn’t perfect, he should still be a class above the rest." Another expert reflected on last year’s Arc, "It was fascinating to revisit the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, especially after correctly picking Daryz as the winner. He re‑emerges today, but the atmosphere surrounding his connections, particularly Francis‑Henri Graffard, has been rather negative in recent Sky Sports Racing interviews." He added, "Daryz’s ultimate aim is the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, so the Prix Ganay may be treated as a stepping‑stone. That said, I think he’s still beatable today, though I’m not certain what the exact odds should be.
For now, I’ll keep a watching brief and see how the trainer’s comments unfold." The panel concluded by urging viewers to watch the full Weekend Winners programme on the At The Races YouTube channel, promising in‑depth analysis, betting tips and behind‑the‑scenes insights that could prove valuable for anyone placing wagers on the Prix Ganay and the broader racing calendar. Overall, the consensus was clear: Daryz enters as the overwhelming favourite, but the presence of seasoned rivals like Calandagan and the potentially revived Aventure adds a layer of intrigue. Bettors will need to weigh Daryz’s proven class against any lingering fitness concerns, while also considering the tactical possibilities presented by the other five runners. The race promises a compelling blend of seasoned talent and fresh ambition, setting the stage for an exciting contest that could shape the rest of the European middle‑distance season.