Erdenali stepped up to the elite tier of racing with a commanding performance at the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp, leaving the field in his wake and confirming his status as a Group One contender. The race attracted a strong British and Irish lineup, highlighted by Aidan O'Brien's Irish 2,000 Guineas victor Gstaad, who entered as the odds-on favourite. Close behind were Charlie Appleby’s well‑regarded Opera Ballo and Ed Walker’s Ten Bob Tony, fresh from a surprise win in the Queen Anne Stakes.
Unlike those three, Erdenali, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, had never faced Group One opposition before this day, although his record in lower‑class races was impressive: he had won his first three starts and had only been unlucky to finish third in a recent Group Three after a troublesome trip. When the gates opened, Gstaad’s pacemaker Dorset set a brisk early tempo, allowing Opera Ballo to take the lead. As the race unfolded, Appleby’s charge began to wane in the final furlong, and the two outsiders – Erdenali and Ten Bob Tony – surged forward to challenge for the lead. Erdenali proved the stronger of the pair, pulling clear of Ten Bob Tony and then distancing Gstaad, who could never mount a serious challenge and faded to a disappointing third place.
After the finish, Nemone Routh, the French racing manager and director for the Aga Khan Studs, spoke to Sky Sports Racing. She explained that the team had been undecided whether to send Erdenali to the Arc sale, but his performance had settled that question. "He doesn’t always look impressive in the morning. If you had seen his workout this week you might not have been convinced, but everything comes together in the afternoon," she said.
Routh added that the horse should have been unbeaten, noting that the third‑place finish in the Group Three was the result of a “nightmare trip.” She confirmed that the original plan was always to test Erdenali at this level, and that his dominant win proved he belongs in Group One company. Following the victory, Erdenali became Coral’s new 2‑1 favourite for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot. However, his connections have several runners in the same division, so they are keeping their options open.
Routh mentioned that they also have Samangan as a potential entrant for the Prix de la Forêt, provided the ground does not become too soft, and Rayif as another candidate for the QEII. She hinted that a trip to Keeneland after Ascot could also be on the table, but the immediate focus remains on confirming Erdenali’s place in the QEII field.
Ed Walker, speaking about his runner‑up Ten Bob Tony, expressed his pride and emotion, saying, "I’ve slightly lost my voice. He’s amazing and has had an amazing season. He really stepped up a gear, it was a huge run." Walker admitted he was initially disappointed because he believed his horse had a chance to win, but he now respects the winner’s quality. He reiterated that the original plan was always to target the QEII and possibly the Breeders’ Cup, emphasizing that they will act in the horse’s best interests and hope for many more racing seasons.
In related news, Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini underperformed as Varandir secured a decisive victory in the Qatar Prix Niel at Longchamp. Cellini, who had been the favourite for the Epsom Derby before a starting‑stall incident forced his withdrawal, rebounded to win the Curragh Classic three weeks later and later finished a credible third in the King George at Ascot. Returning from a brief break, Cellini was expected to make a serious bid for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but after chasing his stablemate Montreal early, he faded to fifth.
Varandir, also trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, had finished a close fourth behind William Haggas’s Maltese Cross in the Grand Prix de Paris. In the Prix Niel, he took the lead under jockey Mickael Barzalona and held off the staying‑on Alam to win comfortably.
When asked if the win was unexpected, Routh said, "No, not hugely. We knew the horse was really well, we knew he'd progressed a lot and we were very happy with his run in the Grand Prix de Paris.
He has improved mentally and physically throughout the year." Varandir’s odds for the Arc were cut dramatically from 40‑1 to 20‑1, putting him in contention alongside last year’s champion Daryz. Routh confirmed that Varandir is slated for the Arc, noting the strategic advantage of having multiple runners from the same ownership, which can improve draw positions. Overall, the Qatar meetings showcased the depth of talent in the Aga Khan Studs’ stable. Erdenali’s breakthrough at Longchamp and Varandir’s resurgence in the Prix Niel both underline the effectiveness of Graffard’s training methods and the careful placement of horses by the stud’s management.
As the season progresses toward the British Champions Day at Ascot and the prestigious Arc at Longchamp, the connections will continue to evaluate each horse’s optimum path, balancing ambition with the long‑term welfare of their athletes. Fans can stay updated on the latest developments, interviews, and expert analysis through Sky Sports Racing and related racing platforms.