The upcoming Arc Trials Day at ParisLongchamp promises a spectacular lineup, featuring the likes of Daryz, Gstaad, Opera Ballo and the newly‑named Benvenuto Cellini. All four horses are set to compete in a series of high‑profile contests that will shape the narrative for the rest of the European flat‑racing season. Daryz, the recent Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victor, will make his return to the Longchamp turf as part of his preparation for defending the title. His next test will be the Prix Foy, a traditional stepping‑stone for Arc hopefuls.
The horse’s connections hope that a strong performance will confirm his readiness for the October showdown, where he will again be the one to beat. Francis‑Henri Graffard’s star, a four‑year‑old who has not been seen since finishing third in the Prince of Wales's Stakes, will also be back in the mix.
The horse’s previous run was marred by a pre‑race incident in the stables, but that solitary blemish does not diminish an otherwise flawless campaign. Earlier this year the colt captured the Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV, displaying a devastating turn of foot in both. Those victories have cemented his reputation as a top‑class middle‑distance performer.
Last season, the same horse was beaten at this meeting by the Japanese import Croix Du Nord in the Prix du Prince d'Orange, but he bounced back with a memorable win a month later, edging out Minnie Hauk in a thrilling renewal of the Arc. That resilience will be on display again as he looks to sharpen his form ahead of the autumn classics. Bay City Roller, currently listed at 14‑1 for the October Arc, is another intriguing contender. He secured his second Group 1 triumph in June by dominating the Coronation Cup at Epsom, a race run on soft ground that suited his running style.
If the going at Longchamp eases and the track suits him, a strong performance could place him firmly in the conversation for both the trial and the main event. The field also includes the Antoine Griezmann‑owned Uthred and the well‑regarded Quest For Magic. Both horses carry respectable ratings but are not expected to contest the front two positions in the trial.
Quest For Magic, however, did defeat the Prix Vermeille hopeful Rabbit's Foot in a recent Listed race, suggesting he may be capable of more than his odds imply. Three‑year‑old Gstaad, a proven star, will take on two rivals from the Sussex Stakes in the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp. The race offers a purse just shy of £400,000 for the winner, adding an extra incentive for the connections of the participants.
Other highlights of the day include Almeraq's dazzling Sprint Cup win for trainer Haggas at Haydock, and Constitution Hill's first flat‑race defeat as Pride Of Arras claimed the September Stakes at Kempton. Sky Sports Racing will broadcast flat action from Ascot and Newcastle later in the day, while a racing round‑up will confirm that the Arc will be open to geldings from 2027. Aidan O'Brien, who has been unlucky against the brilliant Bow Echo on three of his four starts this year, will be watching closely.
Bow Echo has bested O'Brien’s runners in the 2000 Guineas, the St James's Palace Stakes and the Sussex Stakes, losing by a combined three lengths. With Bow Echo now retired, O'Brien’s miler, ridden by Ryan Moore, is arguably the best European miler still in training after a decisive Irish 2000 Guineas victory.
Opera Ballo and Ten Bob Tony each carried an eight‑pound penalty against Gstaad in their last encounter, a weight difference now reduced to six pounds. Both hope the lighter burden will allow them to close the three‑length gap that separated them from the winner. Opera Ballo has already proved his class this season with a Group 1 triumph in the Jebel Hatta at Meydan in January, followed by an impressive weight‑carrying performance in the bet365 Mile at Sandown.
He was later beaten in the Queen Anne by Ten Bob Tony, who secured his sole Group 1 victory at 50‑to‑1 odds with a dramatic finish. Kieran Shoemark’s mount, after a poor start in the recent City of York Stakes, showed great stamina and could be even closer this time.
Erdenali, the gelded son of Caravaggio, represents the lethal partnership of Graffard and jockey Mickael Barzalona. Though he entered his last Group 3 race as the odds‑on favourite, he was boxed in and finished third. The horse remains a serious threat, especially if he can find a clear run. The Qatar Prix Vermeille will pit Sparan Nua against Sunly in a tightly contested Group 1 battle.
Sparan Nua attempted to stretch out to a mile and a half in the Yorkshire Oaks, finishing strongly but unable to overhaul the King George winner Kalpana. Sunly, meanwhile, returned to form with a Group 3 win at Saint‑Cloud and a narrow defeat to Aventure in the Group 2 Prix Corrida. Her recent Group 1 victory in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet, coupled with a striking performance behind Calandagan in the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud, makes her a formidable opponent, especially with Colin Keane aboard.
Survie, fresh from a Grade 1 win in the Christophe Clement Turf Stakes at Saratoga, will be ridden by Ryan Moore. Owned by the Coolmore syndicate, the horse struggled with a previous trip around ParisLongchamp but appears rejuvenated after a spell at Newmarket.
Tattycoram recently defeated Tiffany at Headquarters, a form that has been boosted by Tiffany’s subsequent Group 1 win in Germany, indicating the depth of talent in the field. One of the most exciting juveniles of the year, Avec Toi, will contest the Qatar Prix la Rochette at 12.58 pm. Trainer Christopher Head has described the filly as a "machine" after a stunning win last time out.
Bred from the No Nay Never line, she will face unbeaten rivals Vignelli and Imperial Strike, promising a thrilling showdown. Christopher Head could also secure the first two Group contests of the day, as he saddles the promising Data in the Qatar Prix d'Aumale at 1.33 pm.
Data impressed in Group 3 company recently and, if she handles the increased distance and class, she may emerge as the race’s standout. British representation will come from Ed Bethell’s Rogue Passion. Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini will headline the 4 pm Qatar Prix Niel for Aidan O'Brien.
After a controversial false start in the Epsom equivalent, the Ballydoyle colt recovered to finish third in the King George, showcasing his resilience. Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Varandir and Zaraki will also contest the race, providing strong opposition for the O'Brien stable. Additional races include Royal Rhythm’s attempt to overcome a nine‑pound penalty at Fontwell, Coastal Command’s return for the King and Nicky Henderson, and Jiar Madrik’s pursuit of a four‑timer. In the United States, a five‑runner Grade 1 at Del Mar will likely produce a Breeders' Cup Juvenile contender.
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