Erdenali stepped up to the elite tier of European racing in spectacular fashion, proving too powerful for the assembled field in the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp. The Group One showdown attracted a strong contingent from Britain and Ireland, with Aidan O'Brien’s Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Gstaad entering as the clear favorite.
Close behind were Charlie Appleby’s Opera Ballo and Ed Walker’s Ten Bob Tony, both considered serious threats. In contrast, Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Erdenali arrived on the day without any previous Group One experience. The colt had impressed connections by winning his first three starts, but his most recent outing—a narrow third in a Group Three—had left him just shy of a victory.
Nonetheless, the betting public recognized his potential and he started the race with genuine optimism. The early stages of the race saw Gstaad’s pacemaker, Dorset, take the lead, setting a brisk tempo that forced the field to settle. As the pace unfolded, Opera Ballo made a forward move, but by the time the field entered the final furlong his energy was waning.
It was at this decisive moment that Erdenali and the unexpected Queen Anne victor, Ten Bob Tony, surged forward to contest the lead. Erdenali quickly asserted dominance in this head‑to‑head battle, pulling ahead of Ten Bob Tony and then extending his advantage over Gstaad, who never managed to threaten the front‑running pair. Gstaad ultimately faded to a disappointing third, while Erdenali crossed the finish line first, confirming his status as a top‑class miler. After the race, Nemone Routh—racing manager for the Aga Khan Studs—spoke to Sky Sports Racing, saying, "We were debating whether to send him to the Arc sale after this, but now we’re convinced he belongs in the stable.
He doesn’t always look impressive in the morning; if you had seen his morning work you might not have been impressed, but everything clicks in the afternoon. He should have won that Group Three easily; we just had a terrible trip.
Our plan was always to bring him here to test his Group One credentials, and he delivered in spectacular fashion." With that victory, Erdenali instantly became Coral’s new 2‑1 favorite for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot. However, the connections, who have several runners eligible for the same race, are still weighing their options. Routh added, "We have Samangan for the Prix de la Forêt if the ground stays firm, and Rayif might target the QEII.
Erdenali is also slated for the QEII, and we were even considering a trip to Keeneland after that, but we may need to rethink based on his performance today. He has undeniably proven himself a Group One horse." Ed Walker, speaking about his runner‑up Ten Bob Tony, expressed his pride: "I’m thrilled and a little hoarse from shouting. Ten Bob Tony has had an amazing season; he stepped up a gear and gave a huge effort. I was a bit gutted because I thought we had it, especially after seeing Opera Ballo and Gstaad beaten, and perhaps we didn’t give the winner the respect he deserved.
He looks fantastic, and we were probably beaten by a very good horse. Our original plan was always the QEII, and maybe the Breeders’ Cup afterwards—whatever is best for him, hoping he stays healthy for many more seasons." The race report also touched on other notable performances at Longchamp that day. Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini, who had been a favorite for the Epsom Derby before a starting‑stall incident forced his withdrawal, rebounded with a classic win at the Curragh three weeks earlier.
He later placed a creditable third in the King George at Ascot. Returning from a brief spell, the Frankel‑sired Benvenuto Cellini was expected to make a bid for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but he faded to fifth after chasing his stablemate Montreal.
Meanwhile, Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Varandir, who had finished fourth behind William Haggas’s Maltese Cross in the Grand Prix de Paris, produced a decisive victory in the Qatar Prix Niel, beating the staying‑on Alam under jockey Mickael Barzalona. When asked if Varandir's win was a surprise, Routh replied, "Not really. We knew he was improving, especially after his strong run in the Grand Prix de Paris.
He has progressed both mentally and physically throughout the year, and this race gave him the confidence he needed after a heavy prep race." Varandir's odds for the Arc were cut dramatically from 40‑1 to 20‑1, positioning him as a serious contender alongside defending champion Daryz. Routh hinted at the possibility of entering Varandir in the Arc, saying, "He can handle any ground, and having two runners can improve our chances with better draws. It’s a logical move." Overall, the day at Longchamp highlighted the depth of talent in the Aga Khan operation, with Erdenali confirming his elite status, Varandir emerging as a credible Arc prospect, and other stablemates continuing to perform at the highest level.
The upcoming weeks will see strategic decisions about race placements, but the messages from the stable are clear: these horses have proven they belong among the world’s best, and their connections are eager to capitalize on that momentum.