Arc Trials Day Shines with Daryz, Gstaad and Opera Ballo

The upcoming Arc Trials Day at Longchamp promises a spectacular showcase of talent, featuring the likes of Daryz, Gstaad, Opera Ballo and the Italian-bred Benvenuto Cellini. This meeting, scheduled for Sunday, serves as a crucial stepping‑stone for horses targeting the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and the programme is packed with high‑profile contests that will test form, stamina and tactical versatility. **Daryz’s Return to Longchamp** The Arc champion Daryz will make his comeback at Longchamp as part of his preparation for a defence of the Arc crown. After his dominant victory in the 2025 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the four‑year‑old is now aimed at the Prix Foy, a traditional trial that often produces the final shortlist for the autumn classic.

Connections hope that a solid run over 2400 metres on familiar ground will sharpen his turn of foot and confirm that he remains the benchmark for middle‑distance excellence in Europe. **Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Star Turn** Francis‑Henri Graffard will have a busy day, with his leading four‑year‑old making a return after a brief hiatus. The horse last appeared in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, where a pre‑race incident in the stable disrupted his routine, resulting in a third‑place finish – the only blemish on an otherwise flawless campaign.

Earlier in the season the Graffard‑trained colt secured victories in both the Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV, displaying a devastating acceleration that left rivals struggling to keep pace. His performance at Longchamp will be watched closely, as a strong showing could position him as a serious challenger to Daryz in the Arc. **Bay City Roller’s Group 1 Credentials** Bay City Roller, currently quoted at 14‑1 for the October Arc, is another intriguing contender. The horse claimed his second Group 1 triumph in June, overwhelming the field in the Coronation Cup at Epsom.

That win came on soft ground, a condition that suited his running style. If the Longchamp turf holds up and the pace is honest, Bay City Roller could be well placed to produce another close finish, especially if he can replicate the ground‑loving performance that saw him dominate at Epsom. **Uthred and Quest For Magic** Both the Antoine Griezmann‑owned Uthred and the talented Quest For Magic are expected to be placed well down the field. While Quest For Magic proved his mettle by beating the Prix Vermeille hopeful Rabbit’s Foot in a Listed race, neither horse is likely to contest the top two positions on the day.

Their primary objective will be to gain a respectable rating and perhaps pick up a useful placing. **Gstaad’s Return to the Spotlight** Three‑year‑old Gstaad will be back in action, taking on two rivals he previously faced in the Sussex Stakes. The Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp, offering a purse just under £400,000 for the winner, will test his ability over a mile against a strong international field. Gstaad’s recent form suggests he could be a serious threat, especially if he can replicate the turn of foot that saw him excel in his previous Group races.

**Other Notable Fixtures** - **Haydock:** Almeraq will look to add a Sprint Cup victory to his résumé for trainer Haggas. - **Kempton:** Constitution Hill will aim to rebound from a flat defeat as Pride Of Arras targets the September Stakes. - **Ascot and Newcastle:** Sky Sports Racing will broadcast flat action from these venues, providing additional context for the day's racing narrative.

**Arc Eligibility Update** A key regulatory change will come into effect in 2027, when the Arc opens its doors to geldings. This decision could reshape future fields, but for now the race remains a showcase for intact colts, fillies and mares. **Aidan O’Brien’s Campaign** Aidan O’Brien has endured a series of narrow defeats this season, most notably to the brilliant Bow Echo in three of his four starts – the 2000 Guineas, the St James’s Palace Stakes and the Sussex Stakes – losing by a combined three lengths.

Nevertheless, O’Brien’s miler, who claimed a decisive win in the Irish 2000 Guineas, is now the leading European miler after Bow Echo’s retirement, and his performance at Longchamp will be a focal point for the Ballydoyle stable. **Opera Ballo and Ten Bob Tony** Both Opera Ballo and Ten Bob Tony carried eight pounds more than Gstaad on the previous day, a penalty now reduced to six pounds. Opera Ballo, a Group 1 winner, captured the Jebel Hatta at Meydan in January and later displayed impressive stamina in the bet365 Mile at Sandown, conceding weight to top‑class rivals.

He was subsequently beaten in the Queen Anne by Ten Bob Tony, who secured his sole Group 1 triumph at odds of 50‑1 after a dramatic finish. Kieran Shoemark’s mount, after a poor start in the City of York Stakes, may still be able to close the three‑length gap to Gstaad. **Erdenali’s Threat** Erdenali, a gelded son of Caravaggio trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard and ridden by Mickaël Barzalona, remains a dangerous opponent.

Although he finished third in a Group 3 after being boxed in, his unbeaten record at that level suggests he could bounce back with a strong run at Longchamp. **Qatar Prix Vermeille Showdown** The Group 1 Qatar Prix Vermeille will pit Sparan Nua against Sunly in a tightly contested affair. Sparan Nua, after a late surge in the Yorkshire Oaks, fell short of beating King George winner Kalpana but demonstrated the stamina needed for the mile‑and‑a‑half distance. Sunly, meanwhile, returned to form by winning a Group 3 at Saint‑Cloud and then narrowly missing out in the Group 2 Prix Corrida.

Her recent Group 1 triumph in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet and a strong performance behind Calandagan in the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud make her a formidable challenger, especially with Colin Keane aboard. **International Highlights** - **Survie** captured the Grade 1 Christophe Clement Turf Stakes at Saratoga and will be ridden by Ryan Moore, a partnership that could prove decisive. - **Tattycoram** recently defeated Tiffany at Headquarters, a filly who has since secured a Group 1 win in Germany, indicating the depth of the field. - **Avec Toi**, hailed as Europe’s leading two‑year‑old of 2026, will contest the Qatar Prix la Rochette.

Trainer Christopher Head describes the filly as a "machine" after a stunning previous victory, and she will face unbeaten rivals Vignelli and Imperial Strike. **British Representation** Christopher Head may also secure the first two Group victories of the day with Data, who won a Group 3 on the previous day, entering the Qatar Prix d'Aumale at 1.33 pm. If she can handle the increased distance and class, she could be the one to beat. Ed Bethell will field Rogue Passion, adding a British challenger to the mix.

**Benvenuto Cellini’s Spotlight** 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 Derby equivalent, the Ballydoyle colt rebounded with a solid third in the King George. Francis‑Henri Graffard will oppose him with Varandir, while the Fabre stable will present Zaraki as a major contender.

**Late‑Season Fixtures** - **2.20 Fontwell:** Royal Rhythm seeks to overcome a nine‑pound penalty. - **2.55 Fontwell:** Coastal Command returns for the King and Nicky Henderson. - **4.40 Fontwell:** Jiar Madrik aims for a four‑tide victory.

- **11.00 Del Mar:** A five‑runner Grade 1 race, often a stepping stone to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Overall, the Arc Trials Day at Longchamp offers a rich tapestry of narratives, from seasoned champions testing their mettle to emerging stars making their mark.

Fans can follow live coverage on Sky Sports Racing, while the broader racing community will be keen to see which performances translate into the ultimate test of the season – the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.