The Arc Trials at Longchamp on Sunday delivered a spectacular showcase, featuring the likes of Daryz, Gstaad, Opera Ballo and Benvenuto Cellini among others. The day served as a crucial rehearsal for the upcoming Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, with several top‑class horses taking on key prep races that could shape the rest of the European season. Daryz, the recent Arc champion, made his return to ParisLongchamp with the intention of sharpening his form ahead of a defence of his title.
He was entered in the Prix Foy, a traditional trial for the Arc, and displayed the same turn of foot that earned him the big win last year. His performance reaffirmed his status as the horse to beat in the autumn’s most prestigious contest. Francis‑Henri Graffard’s other star, a four‑year‑old who last placed third in the Prince of Wales's Stakes, also re‑appeared after a long absence.
The horse had been criticised for a disruptive stable incident before that race, but his record remains impressive: victories in the Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV, both won with a devastating acceleration. Although he was edged out by Japanese challenger Croix Du Nord in the Prix du Prince d'Orange at the same meeting last season, he bounced back spectacularly by beating Minnie Hauk in a thrilling renewal of the Arc a month later.
Bay City Roller entered the October showcase at 14‑1 odds, making him a compelling outsider in both the trial and the main event. The colt had secured his second Group 1 triumph in June by dominating the Coronation Cup at Epsom, a race he won on soft ground. A return to the softer conditions of Longchamp, combined with a familiar track, could see him mount a serious challenge.
Two other runners, the Antoine Griezmann‑owned Uthred and Quest For Magic, are unlikely to feature in the early pace but could prove useful for rating purposes. Quest For Magic, in particular, showed quality by defeating the Prix Vermeille hopeful Rabbit's Foot in a recent Listed race. Three‑year‑old Gstaad, a proven Group 1 performer, faced two familiar rivals from the Sussex Stakes in the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp. The race offered a purse just under £400,000 to the winner, adding extra incentive for the field.
The day also highlighted a number of other storylines. Aidan O'Brien, who has been unlucky against Bow Echo in three of his four starts this year, finally found a clear run when Ryan Moore rode his Irish 2000 Guineas winner to a convincing victory.
With Bow Echo now retired, Moore’s miler is arguably the best European horse over the distance. Opera Ballo and Ten Bob Tony both carried eight pounds more than Gstaad on the previous day, a penalty reduced to six pounds for today. Opera Ballo, a Group 1 winner who captured the Jebel Hatta at Meydan and later proved his stamina in the bet365 Mile at Sandown, hopes the reduced weight will help him close the three‑length gap to Gstaad. Ten Bob Tony, who upset the odds at 50/1 to win the Queen Anne, also looks for a better placing.
Erdenali, a gelding by Caravaggio trained by Graffard and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, cannot be ignored. He was odds‑on favourite in a recent Group 3 but was trapped and finished third. If he can find a clear run, his unbeaten record could resume.
The Qatar Prix Vermeille featured a clash between Sparan Nua and Sunly. Sparan Nua stepped up to a mile and a half in the Yorkshire Oaks, finishing strongly but unable to catch Kalpana, the King George winner. Sunly, a Wertheimer mare, returned to form by winning a Group 3 at Saint‑Cloud and then narrowly losing to Aventure in the Group 2 Prix Corrida. Her subsequent Group 1 victory in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet makes her a serious contender, especially with Colin Keane aboard.
Survie, fresh from a Grade 1 win in the Christophe Clement Turf Stakes at Saratoga, arrived under Ryan Moore. The Coolmore‑owned runner had struggled on the ParisLongchamp track earlier in the season but appears revitalised after a spell in Newmarket. Tattycoram, who recently beat Tiffany at Headquarters, also benefits from a form boost after Tiffany captured a Group 1 in Germany.
Among the younger prospects, Avec Toi, hailed as Europe’s leading two‑year‑old of 2026, will contest the Qatar Prix la Rochette at 12.58 pm. Trainer Christopher Head has called the filly a "machine" after a stunning previous win.
She faces unbeaten rivals Vignelli and Imperial Strike, making for an exciting showdown. Christopher Head could also claim the first two Group races of the card, as he fields the promising filly Data in the Qatar Prix d'Aumale at 1.33 pm. Data impressed in Group 3 company last weekend; if she can handle the increase in distance and class, she may become the race’s standout.
The 4 pm Qatar Prix Niel will see Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini represent Aidan O'Brien’s Ballydoyle stable. After a controversial false start at the Epsom equivalent and a solid third in the King George, the colt looks ready to add another Group 1 to his résumé.
Francis‑Henri Graffard will oppose him with Varandir, while the Fabre team backs Zaraki as a major contender. Other notable entries include Royal Rhythm, who must concede nine pounds in the 2.20 Fontwell race, Coastal Command returning for the King’s contest at 2.55, and Jiar Madrik chasing a four‑horse field at 4.40.
The day concluded with a five‑runner Grade 1 at Del Mar, a race that often produces a future Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner. Overall, the Arc Trials Day offered a blend of proven champions, rising stars and intriguing weight‑penalty battles, setting the stage for an unforgettable autumn campaign across Europe’s top tracks.