The Arc Trials Day at ParisLongchamp on Sunday offered a spectacular showcase of some of the continent's most celebrated thoroughbreds, with Daryz, Gstaad, Opera Ballo and Benvenuto Cellini all taking centre stage. Each horse arrived with a distinct storyline, and the day’s programme delivered a mix of proven champions, rising stars and intriguing match‑ups that will shape the rest of the European flat‑racing calendar.
Daryz, the recent Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victor, returned to the Longchamp turf to fine‑tune his preparation for a defence of the Arc crown. His target was the Prix Foy, a traditional rehearsal that pits the Arc winner against other high‑class middle‑distance runners. Daryz’s performance was nothing short of dazzling; he settled comfortably, accelerated with a powerful turn of foot, and crossed the finish line well ahead of his rivals, confirming that the champion remains in peak form and is a clear favourite for the October showdown. Francis‑Henri Graffard’s star filly, who had not been seen since a third‑place finish in the Prince of Wales's Stakes, also featured prominently.
That race had been marred by a disruptive episode in the stables, but the filly’s only blemish on an otherwise flawless four‑year‑old campaign was that third‑place effort. Earlier in the season she had taken the Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV, displaying a devastating acceleration in both. Her return was eagerly anticipated, and she delivered a respectable effort that suggested she still possesses the class to compete at the highest level. The meeting also revisited a memorable clash from the previous season when Japanese challenger Croix Du Nord upset the field in the Prix du Prince d'Orange.
A month later, the same horse produced a famous victory, holding off Minnie Hauk in a thrilling renewal of the Arc. That historic duel was recalled throughout the day, underscoring the international depth of the Arc field. Bay City Roller entered the day as a 14‑1 outsider for the October Arc but quickly proved why he is a serious contender.
The colt secured his second Group 1 triumph by dominating the Coronation Cup at Epsom in June, a race run on soft ground that suited his running style. With the ground expected to be more forgiving and the familiar Longchamp track under his hooves, many observers felt Bay City Roller could mount a strong challenge in both the trial and the main event. Two other entries, the Antoine Griezmann‑owned Uthred and the well‑regarded Quest For Magic, were considered long‑shots based on their ratings.
Nonetheless, Quest For Magic had previously beaten Prix Vermeille hopeful Rabbit's Foot in a Listed race, suggesting that on a good day he could surprise the more fancied runners. Three‑year‑old Gstaad, a rising star, was slated to face two of his Sussex Stakes rivals in the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp. The race offered a purse just under £400,000, making it an attractive target for connections seeking to boost the colt’s reputation ahead of the summer’s major mile contests.
In a separate feature, Opera Ballo, a proven Group 1 winner, was set to test his mettle against Ten Bob Tony. Both horses had previously given Gstaad an eight‑pound handicap, which was reduced to six pounds for this encounter, and each hoped the weight concession would be enough to erase the roughly three‑length deficit they had suffered earlier in the season. Opera Ballo’s résumé includes a victory in the Jebel Hatta at Meydan in January and a commanding performance in the bet365 Mile at Sandown, where he carried a substantial weight and still prevailed. His most recent defeat came in the Queen Anne Stakes, where Ten Bob Tony, at 50‑1 odds, produced a dramatic finish to claim his first Group 1 success.
Kieran Shoemark’s mount, after a poor start in the City of York Stakes, showed resilience and could finish strongly if the race unfolds favorably. Erdenali, a gelded son of Caravaggio trained by Graffard and piloted by Mickael Barzalona, remains a dangerous opponent. He entered the trial unbeaten in Group 3 company but was boxed in and finished third despite being the odds‑on favourite.
His ability to navigate traffic and unleash a rapid finish will be crucial if he is to reclaim his winning ways. The Qatar Prix Vermeille attracted a competitive field featuring Sparan Nua and Sunly.
Sparan Nua had stepped up to a mile and a half in the Yorkshire Oaks, showing a late surge but ultimately falling short of the King George winner Kalpana. Sunly, meanwhile, returned to form with a Group 3 win at Saint‑Cloud and a narrow defeat to Aventure in the Group 2 Prix Corrida. Her recent Group 1 triumph in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet and a strong effort behind Calandagan in the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud make her a formidable contender, especially with Colin Keane aboard.
Survie, a Grade 1 winner of the Christophe Clement Turf Stakes at Saratoga, arrived under Ryan Moore’s guidance. Owned by Coolmore and previously struggling with a change of tack at Longchamp, Survie appeared revitalised after a successful spell in Newmarket, suggesting he could be a late‑season threat. Tattycoram, fresh off a victory over Tiffany at Headquarters, has benefited from the form boost that Tiffany received by winning a Group 1 in Germany. This connection adds another layer of intrigue to the day’s line‑up.
Among the younger talent, Avec Toi, hailed as Europe’s leading two‑year‑old of 2026, contested the Qatar Prix la Rochette at 12.58 pm. Trainer Christopher Head described the filly as a "machine" after a stunning win, and she faced unbeaten rivals Vignelli and Imperial Strike, promising a high‑class showdown. Christopher Head also entered the first two Group contests of the card with the promising filly Data in the Qatar Prix d'Aumale at 1.33 pm.
Data had impressed in Group 3 company the previous day, and if she can manage the increase in distance and class, she could be the race’s standout. British representation came from Ed Bethell’s Rogue Passion.
The 4 pm Qatar Prix Niel featured Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini for Aidan O'Brien, a key trial for the Arc. After a controversial false start at the Epsom equivalent and a solid third in the King George, Benvenuto Cellini displayed brilliance at the Curragh, confirming his status as a top‑tier middle‑distance runner. Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Varandir and Fabre’s Zaraki rounded out the field, adding depth to the competition. Additional races on the card included the 2.20 pm Fontwell Handicap where Royal Rhythm attempted to overcome a nine‑pound penalty, the 2.55 pm Fontwell contest featuring Coastal Command’s return for the King and Nicky Henderson, and the 4.40 pm Fontwell race where Jiar Madrik chased a four‑timer.
The day concluded with an 11.00 pm Grade 1 at Del Mar, a five‑runner event that often serves as a stepping stone to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Overall, the Arc Trials Day delivered a rich tapestry of narratives: seasoned champions sharpening for the autumn, emerging talents testing their limits, and seasoned trainers fine‑tuning strategies. The performances observed will undoubtedly influence betting markets and form lines heading into the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, while also offering racing fans a thrilling preview of the season’s culminating battles.