Kate Tracey, Callum Helliwell and Sam Boswell gathered on the Weekend Winners programme to dissect the most promising betting angles for an action‑packed racing weekend both at home and overseas. As the broadcast drew to a close, the trio turned their attention to the upcoming Prix Ganay, a Group 1 contest that will be transmitted live from Longchamp in Paris at 3:25 p.m.
on Sunday. The race, won last season by Sosie—who later finished third in the Arc—features six contenders vying for top honours over an extended distance of ten furlongs.
Among the entries, Daryz returns as the clear favourite after a dominant performance in the previous year’s Parisian showcase. He will be guided by trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard, who also has Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and Aventure slated to make a serious bid. One of the panelists explained their rationale for backing Daryz despite his recent defeat to the speaker's own selection. "I am still confident in Daryz for the Prix Ganay on Sunday," they said, "even though he was beaten by my pick in his last outing of the season.
Aventure, on the other hand, had a disastrous run in the Arc last year. She was drawn wide, never settled, and fell through the field like a stone sinking in water." The commentator continued, "She was far from a disgraceful runner behind Calandagan last season—a horse with rock‑solid form and the stable companion of the favourite. If she gets a lighter weight this time and arrives fit and eager, I think she could rebound to her previous level." The programme also reminded listeners that they can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat.
Another voice on the show declared a firm commitment to Daryz, stating, "I will be siding with the Arc winner Daryz for the Prix Ganay on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Racing. I’m abandoning my French fancy in Aventure after her disappointment last time." The broadcast segued into a series of quick headlines: Hollie Doyle predicted that Thunder Call would feature prominently in the Shergar Cup at Ascot; Jamie Lynch’s five horses were highlighted as key players in the same event; former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle was noted for his pursuit of Cheltenham Festival glory with Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi; Kalpana triumphed over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes; legendary jockey Ryan Moore received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours; and Benvenuto Cellini led a four‑strong Aidan O'Brien contingent for the Epsom Derby. Returning to the Prix Ganay, the panel discussed Daryz’s recent form.
"Daryz enjoyed a superb campaign last year, even though he fell short in the Juddmonte International," one analyst observed. "He rescued his stallion prospects with a win in the Arc, and I believe he should dominate this field on his seasonal debut. Mickael Barzalona has a great rapport with him, and despite some fitness concerns, Daryz remains a top‑class contender." A contrasting view was offered regarding the horse’s preparation.
"It was fascinating to revisit last year’s Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, where I correctly tipped Daryz as the winner," the speaker said. "He re‑emerges today, but the vibe from recent Sky Sports Racing interviews with Francis‑Henri Graffard has been less than enthusiastic." The discussion turned to future targets, noting that Daryz’s ultimate aim may be the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. "He is likely to be beatable today, but I’m not certain what the exact odds are," the commentator added.
"For now, I’ll treat it as a watching brief, given the statements from his connections." Beyond the immediate race, the show encouraged fans to watch the full Weekend Winners episode on the At The Races YouTube channel, where in‑depth analysis, behind‑the‑scenes interviews and additional betting tips are available. The extended coverage provides a richer context for each horse’s preparation, pedigree, and racing style, helping punters make more informed decisions.
In summary, the Prix Ganay presents a classic clash between the seasoned favourite Daryz and a field of challengers eager to upset the order. While Daryz boasts a proven record at the highest level, concerns about his fitness and the negative press surrounding his trainer could open a window for rivals like Aventure, Cualificar or Arrow Eagle.
Bettors will need to weigh the weight assignments, recent workouts, and jockey partnerships—particularly the synergy between Barzalona and Daryz—before placing their stakes. The race promises to be a pivotal stepping stone toward the Royal Ascot meeting, where the stakes will rise even further.