Daryz appears to be in prime condition to defend his Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe title when the summer classic returns in four weeks, a judgment reinforced by his authoritative performance in the Prix Foy. Francis-Henri Graffard's four‑year‑old star kicked off his season on a high note, adding two further Group One wins at his favored Longchamp racecourse. After a triumphant return to the winner's circle in the Prix Ganay, the horse followed up with an effortless triumph in the Prix Aga Khan IV, confirming his status as a leading middle‑distance contender. The only blemish on his recent record came in June when he was dispatched to Royal Ascot for the Prince of Wales's Stakes.
There, Daryz could manage only a third‑place finish. Graffard and his team, however, have offered plausible explanations for the sub‑par effort, suggesting that the trip across the Channel and the firm ground may have compromised his performance. They are confident that the colt will rebound on familiar French turf. On paper, the Prix Foy was not a walk‑over.
Among the three rivals were George Scott's Bay City Roller, a ten‑length winner of the Coronation Cup and another serious Arc hopeful, and a further contender whose identity was less prominent. As expected, Bay City Roller, piloted by Oisin Murphy, was sent to the front early in an attempt to sap Daryz's renowned finishing burst. Yet Mickael Barzalona, looking relaxed and self‑assured aboard the red‑hot favourite, kept the pace in close proximity. With a furlong left, Daryz drifted alongside Bay City Roller and, when asked, responded with a decisive surge, crossing the line a length and three‑quarters ahead.
Graffard, speaking to Sky Sports Racing, expressed his delight: "I couldn't be happier with the trial he had today. We got a good lead and luckily Oisin made the pace a little bit harder at the top of the hill, so the horse was really travelling nicely.
For me as a trainer it was the best preparation I could have for the horse. He will come on a lot for that, I left plenty in him, so he should be spot‑on for four weeks' time." The trainer's optimism reflects a belief that the horse still possesses untapped reserves that could be unleashed on the day of the Arc. Scott, whose Bay City Roller finished runner‑up, also voiced his satisfaction, noting the importance of ground conditions. "Oisin was very happy with him and we'll be hoping for a different set of circumstances in a month's time.
We know that this horse has a high level of form on ground like this, but when it rains he's a different animal. He came here and travelled well, went through the race very well and got beaten by a better horse on the day. In four weeks' time that might be the case again, but it might not, so we'll see," he told the press.
Scott added that a rainy day in Paris could dramatically alter the dynamics of the October 4 showdown, potentially favouring his own mount. 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 contest at Longchamp.
Christopher Head's colt, having won his first three starts impressively, was the odds‑on favourite to claim a fourth successive victory. Imperial Strike, a proven performer for Andre and Lavinia Fabre, challenged strongly in the final strides. In a photo‑finish, Avec Toi edged ahead by a short head. Head praised the race, noting the tactical nature of the contest and the quality of both horses, and hinted at a likely rematch in the Prix Jean‑Luc Lagardère four weeks later.
In the Qatar Prix d'Aumale, British‑trained Rogue Passion, a filly owned by the Sioux Nation, stepped up to Group Two company and delivered a stunning performance. After a modest debut at Carlisle three weeks earlier, the filly was sent to France against a stronger field. Francis‑Henri Graffard's Amusingly seemed set to dominate after taking an early lead under Colin Keane, but Rossa Ryan timed a late challenge perfectly, allowing Rogue Passion to surge and claim the win. Trainer Ed Bethell expressed his satisfaction, emphasizing the filly's improvement and potential: "We were hoping that she'd run a big race, she's a very nice filly who I've got a lot of time for.
Obviously you don't know what you're taking on with the French horses, but she quickened up like a decent filly over the mile there and we're delighted." When asked about a possible run in the Prix Marcel Boussac, Bethell indicated that discussions with the owners would be necessary, as a supplemental fee would be required. He concluded that the filly's Group Two triumph opens the door to a Group One target if the connections decide to pursue it. Overall, the meeting at Longchamp delivered a clear message: Daryz remains the benchmark for middle‑distance excellence heading into the Arc, while several emerging talents—Avec Toi, Imperial Strike, and Rogue Passion—have signalled their intent to challenge for future Group One honours. The combination of strong performances, strategic race tactics, and variable ground conditions promises an intriguing build‑up to the autumn classic, where the ultimate test of stamina and speed will decide who can claim Europe's most prestigious middle‑distance crown.