The Arc Trials at Longchamp on Sunday delivered a spectacular lineup, featuring the likes of Daryz, Gstaad, Opera Ballo and Benvenuto Cellini, each looking to sharpen their form ahead of the season's biggest contests. Daryz, fresh from his triumph in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, returned to the Parisian turf with a clear objective: to use the Prix Foy as a final rehearsal before defending his title in the Arc.
The four‑year‑old champion, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, has been in dominant form all year, having already secured victories in the prestigious Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV. In each of those races he displayed a devastating turn of foot, proving he can accelerate with astonishing speed when the pace opens up.
The only blemish on his record this campaign was a third‑place finish in the Prince of Wales's Stakes, a result that was largely attributed to a pre‑race incident in the stables rather than any lack of ability. Graffard’s other star, the three‑year‑old Gstaad, was also slated to contest a high‑stakes contest – the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp – which offers a purse just shy of £400,000 to the winner.
Gstaad will be meeting two familiar rivals from the Sussex Stakes, creating a compelling narrative for fans who followed their earlier clashes. The colt has shown a blend of speed and stamina that makes him a serious contender over the mile distance, and his connections are hoping the soft ground will suit his action. Opera Ballo, a proven Group 1 performer, entered the day with a résumé that includes a victory in the Jebel Hatta at Meydan in January and a weight‑carrying win in the bet365 Mile at Sandown. Although he was later beaten in the Queen Anne Stakes by Ten Bob Tony – a race in which Ten Bob Tony delivered a stunning 50‑to‑1 upset – Opera Ballo remains a high‑class miler.
The weight allowance he receives in the upcoming race (reduced from eight pounds to six) could be enough to erase the three‑length deficit he currently faces, especially if the pace suits his tactical style. Ten Bob Tony, the surprise winner of the Queen Anne, will also be in the mix, hoping to build on his dramatic upset. His victory over Opera Ballo demonstrated a tenacity that could prove decisive in a tightly contested mile race. The day also featured Bay City Roller, a 14‑to‑1 outsider for the October Arc, who is regarded as a genuine threat in both the trial and the main event.
After a dominant performance in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, where he won comfortably on soft ground, Bay City Roller is expected to thrive if the conditions revert to his preferred softer state. His ability to handle a return to Longchamp’s testing surface makes him a horse to watch.
Among the younger talents, Sparan Nua and Sunly were slated to clash in the Group 1 Qatar Prix Vermeille. Sparan Nua had previously attempted to stretch out to a mile and a half in the Yorkshire Oaks, finishing a close fourth behind the King George winner Kalpana. Sunly, a mare owned by the Wertheimer family, entered the season with a Group 3 win at Saint‑Cloud and a narrow defeat to Aventure in the Group 2 Prix Corrida. Since then she has added a Group 1 Prix Jean et Louis Romanet to her record, and a strong showing behind Calandagan in the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud suggests she could be the one to beat in the Vermeille.
The field also included Erdenali, a gelded son of Caravaggio trained by Graffard and ridden by Mickaël Barzalona. Erdenali entered the day unbeaten in Group 3 company but was boxed in on his last outing, finishing third despite being the odds‑on favourite. His resilience and tactical speed make him a contender worth monitoring, especially if a clear run materialises.
On the sprint side, Survie had recently captured the Grade 1 Christophe Clement Turf Stakes at Saratoga and arrived at Longchamp with Ryan Moore aboard. Survie’s performance in the United States, coupled with Moore’s masterful riding, raises expectations that the horse could make a significant impact in the French sprint division.
The day’s programme also highlighted several promising two‑year‑olds. Avec Toi, described by trainer Christopher Head as a "machine" after a stunning win, was set to face four rivals in the Qatar Prix la Rochette.
The filly, a daughter of No Nay Never, is widely regarded as Europe’s leading juvenile of 2026 and will be tested against unbeaten challengers Vignelli and Imperial Strike. Christopher Head also entered the first two Group races of the card with Data, a promising filly contesting the Qatar Prix d'Aumale. Data impressed in Group 3 competition the previous day, and if she can manage the step up in distance and class, she could become the race’s standout.
British representation will be provided by Rogue Passion, trained by Ed Bethell. In the 4 pm slot, Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini, trained by Aidan O’Brien, took centre stage in the Qatar Prix Niel. After a controversial false start at the Epsom equivalent and a solid third place in the King George, the Ballydoyle colt is expected to showcase his brilliance at Longchamp.
Francis‑Henri Graffard will oppose him with Varandir, while the Fabre stable will field Zaraki, both of which could provide stiff competition. Other notable entries included Royal Rhythm, who will attempt to overcome a nine‑pound weight increase in the 2.20 Fontwell race, and Coastal Command, returning for the King and Nicky Henderson meeting at 2.55. Jiar Madrik will chase a four‑horse field at 4.40, while a five‑runner Grade 1 at Del Mar at 11.00 will likely produce a future Breeders’ Cup Juvenile contender.
Overall, the Arc Trials Day at Longchamp offered a compelling mix of established champions, emerging stars, and seasoned campaigners, all seeking to fine‑tune their preparations ahead of the autumn’s marquee events. The performances on the day will not only shape betting markets for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe but also provide valuable insight into which horses can handle the varied French ground conditions and the tactical demands of top‑level competition. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.