The Arc Trials at Longchamp on Sunday brought together a stellar lineup of talent, headlined by Daryz, Gstaad, Opera Ballo and the newly‑arrived Benvenuto Cellini. Each of these horses was set to use the day as a final rehearsal before the season’s most coveted contests, especially the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and the programme delivered a blend of proven champions, rising stars and intriguing outsiders. Daryz, fresh from his triumph in the Arc itself, returned to Longchamp with a clear objective: to sharpen his form ahead of a defence of the title in the coming autumn. His target was the Prix Foy, a traditional trial that often serves as a stepping‑stone to the Arc.
The horse looked in top condition, displaying the same turn of foot that won him the Arc and signalling that he remains the benchmark for middle‑distance excellence in Europe. Francis‑Henri Graffard’s other star, the four‑year‑old Gstaad, also featured prominently. Gstaad has not raced since a third‑place finish in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, a performance that was clouded by a stable incident on the day of the race. Aside from that blemish, his campaign has been flawless, highlighted by victories in the Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV, where he produced a devastating acceleration that left his rivals scrambling.
The Longchamp trial offered him a chance to prove that his earlier misbehaviour was an isolated incident and that he can still dominate at the highest level. The day also saw the return of Bay City Roller, currently listed at 14‑1 for the October Arc.
The colt earned his second Group 1 win by cruising home in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, a race run on soft ground that suited his running style. With the ground expected to be more forgiving at Longchamp and a familiar track under his hooves, Bay City Roller emerged as a genuine contender for both the trial and the eventual Arc showdown.
Among the other entries, the Antoine Griezmann‑owned Uthred and the seasoned Quest For Magic were noted as having high ratings but were not expected to feature prominently in the early stages of the race. Quest For Magic, however, had previously bested the Prix Vermeille hopeful Rabbit’s Foot in a Listed event, suggesting he still possesses the class to surprise.
Gstaad also faced two of his Sussex Stakes rivals in the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp, a race that offered a purse just shy of £400,000. The event provided a valuable test of speed and stamina for the three‑year‑old, who aimed to confirm his versatility across distances. Opera Ballo, a Group 1 winner this year after taking the Jebel Hatta at Meydan and then delivering a weight‑carrying masterclass in the bet365 Mile at Sandown, entered the trial with a weight penalty of six pounds after previously conceding eight pounds to Gstaad.
The reduction in the penalty could be enough to close the three‑length gap that separated them in their last meeting. Ten Bob Tony, who had bested Opera Ballo in the Queen Anne, also carried a similar penalty and would be looking to reverse that result. The partnership of Graffard and jockey Mickaël Barzalona was represented by Erdenali, a gelding sired by Caravaggio.
Erdenali had been unbeaten in Group 3 company before being boxed in and finishing third as the odds‑on favourite in his most recent outing. His performance suggested that, with a clear run, he could be a serious threat in the Qatar Prix Vermeille, a highly competitive Group 1 contest. Sparan Nua and Sunly were the other major protagonists in the Prix Vermeille. Sparan Nua, after a strong finish in the Yorkshire Oaks, looked to improve over the mile‑and‑a‑half distance, while Sunly, fresh from a Group 3 win at Saint‑Cloud and a close second in the Group 2 Prix Corrida, entered the race with momentum.
Sunly’s recent form was further enhanced by a Group 1 victory in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet, and she would be ridden by Colin Keane, adding another layer of intrigue. The day also highlighted the return of Survie, who had captured the Grade 1 Christophe Clement Turf Stakes at Saratoga and was now under the guidance of Ryan Moore. Survie’s performance at Longchamp would be closely watched, especially given the rejuvenation of his trainer George Boughey’s stable after a lackluster run in Paris earlier in the season. Among the younger talent, Avec Toi, described by trainer Christopher Head as a "machine" after a stunning win, contested the Qatar Prix la Rochette.
The filly, a daughter of No Nay Never, faced unbeaten rivals Vignelli and Imperial Strike, promising a thrilling showdown for the two‑year‑old division. Christopher Head also targeted the early Group contests with Data, who had impressed in Group 3 company and was slated for the Qatar Prix d'Aumale.
If Data could handle the step up in distance and class, she would be the horse to beat, especially with British challenger Rogue Passion in the mix. The 4 p.m. slot featured Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini, representing Aidan O'Brien’s Ballydoyle stable in the Qatar Prix Niel. After a controversial start at the Epsom equivalent and a solid third in the King George, Benvenuto Cellini was poised to showcase his brilliance on the Longchamp turf, with Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Varandir and Zaraki also in contention for the Fabre team.
The card rounded off with a series of sprint and middle‑distance contests, including Royal Rhythm’s attempt to overcome a nine‑pound weight increase, Coastal Command’s return for the King and Nicky Henderson, and Jiar Madrik’s chase for a four‑timer. The day’s action was a microcosm of the European racing calendar, offering a glimpse of the form, fitness and tactical narratives that will shape the autumn’s marquee events, especially the Arc. Fans were reminded to stay connected for the latest racing news, interviews and features, ensuring they never miss a story from the sport’s most exciting moments.