Daryz appears to be in prime condition to defend his Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe title when the big day arrives in four weeks, a fact underscored by his authoritative performance in the Prix Foy. Francis‑Henri Graffard’s star turned the opening of his four‑year‑old campaign into a showcase of class, adding two more Group One wins at his beloved Longchamp.
After a dramatic comeback in the Prix Ganay, the colt followed up with a dominant display in the Prix Aga Khan IV, confirming his status as a top‑level middle‑distance performer. A brief detour to England for the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June saw Daryz finish third, a result that his connections readily explained as a sub‑par run caused by a combination of travel, firm ground and a tactical race that didn’t suit his style. With those factors taken into account, the son of Sea The Stars was expected to bounce back on familiar French turf.
On paper, the Prix Foy was not a walk in the park. Among the three rivals were George Scott’s Bay City Roller, the ten‑length winner of the Coronation Cup and another serious Arc contender, and a third challenger whose form was respectable but not threatening. As anticipated, Bay City Roller was sent straight to the lead by jockey Oisin Murphy, a tactical move intended to test Daryz’s famed turn‑of‑foot.
Mickaël Barzalona, however, seemed completely at ease in the saddle. The red‑hot favourite settled just off the pace, shadowing Bay City Roller as the field turned into the home straight.
A furlong from the finish Daryz began to accelerate, and the pair ran side by side for a few strides before the favourite edged ahead. Barzalona eased the reins, allowing the horse to stretch his legs, and Daryz crossed the line a length and three‑quarters clear. "I couldn’t be happier with the trial he gave us today," Graffard told Sky Sports Racing.
"We got a good lead and, luckily, Oisin made the pace a little tougher up the hill, so the horse was travelling nicely. For me as a trainer it was the perfect preparation – I left plenty in him, so he should be spot‑on for four weeks’ time." Scott, who rode Bay City Roller, also praised the performance, noting that a change in ground conditions could alter the outcome when the two meet again in October. "Oisin was very happy with his mount, and we’ll be hoping for a different set of circumstances in a month’s time," he said.
"We know this horse loves firm ground, but when it rains he becomes a different animal. He travelled well today, ran a great race, and was beaten by a better horse on the day.
In four weeks that might happen again, but it might not – we’ll see." He added a broader perspective on the upcoming Arc: "Never miss a story with all the latest racing news, interviews and features on your phone. Find out more. I think Daryz is at his best now. The winner might be as well, but in four weeks it will be a completely different scenario.
He’ll be an underdog coming back, of course – Daryz is a champion and he is unbelievable around here. It was perfect for him today and set up great, but I was very happy with our horse, Oisin was most happy, so we’re looking forward to it." The day also featured a showdown between the unbeaten hot favourite Avec Toi and Imperial Strike in the Qatar Prix la Rochette, a Group Three race at Longchamp. Christopher Head’s colt had been sensational in his first three starts, and the market had him as a short‑odds‑on candidate to secure a fourth consecutive victory. Imperial Strike, trained by André and Lavinia Fabre, gave a strong performance, staying within striking distance until the very end.
In a photo‑finish, Avec Toi prevailed by a short head, setting up a likely rematch in the Prix Jean‑Luc Lagardère four weeks later. Head praised his runner after the race: "It was a very nice race with five quality horses.
I respected Imperial Strike from the start, so I’m thrilled our horse won and we now have a very nice opponent for the next meeting. It was a tactical race and we’re all happy. There’s a lot to do between the two races and I’m very pleased with where we are." In the Qatar Prix d'Aumale, British‑trained Rogue Passion, a filly owned by the Sioux Nation, stepped up to Group Two level and delivered a sparkling performance.
After breaking her maiden at Carlisle three weeks earlier, she faced a significant increase in class. Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Amusingly looked set to dominate after taking the lead under Colin Keane, but Rossa Ryan timed a perfect challenge for Rogue Passion, who surged forward in the closing stages to claim victory. Trainer Ed Bethell expressed his delight: "We were hoping she’d run a big race – she’s a very nice filly and I’ve got a lot of time for her.
Obviously you don’t know what you’re taking on with the French horses, but she quickened up nicely over the mile and we’re delighted." When asked about a possible run in the Prix Marcel Boussac next month, Bethell said the decision would involve discussions with the owners at Rogues Gallery, as the filly would need to be supplemented. "We’ll let the dust settle today, enjoy it and talk in a few days. She’s now a Group Two winner and we want to aim for a Group One if we can. Today was not unexpected – she’s always shown she’s a nice filly, and it’s a huge credit to the Rogues Gallery and Henry Lascelles who bought her." Overall, the meeting at Longchamp highlighted the depth of talent in the European middle‑distance division, with Daryz confirming his status as the leading Arc prospect, while younger stars like Avec Toi and Rogue Passion signaled that the forthcoming autumn festivals will be fiercely contested.
The stage is set for an exciting October, and racing fans can look forward to a thrilling clash of speed, stamina, and strategy as the continent’s best horses converge on Longchamp for the ultimate test of class and endurance.