The Arc Trials Day at Longchamp on Sunday offered a dazzling showcase of some of Europe’s most promising thoroughbreds, with Daryz, Gstaad, Opera Ballo and Benvenuto Cellini all taking centre stage. The meeting was billed as a rehearsal for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and the line‑up lived up to the hype, delivering a blend of proven champions, rising stars and intriguing outsiders. Daryz, the recent Arc victor, made his return to Longchamp in preparation for the defence of his title. After a commanding win in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the colt was aimed at the Prix Foy as a final test before the big day in October.
The connections hoped the 2,400‑metre contest would sharpen his stamina and confirm his readiness for another shot at Europe’s most prestigious race. Francis‑Henri Graffard’s standout, Gstaad, also featured prominently. The four‑year‑old had not been seen in the saddle since his third‑place finish in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, a race in which he was hampered by a disruptive episode in the stables before the start. Apart from that incident, Gstaad’s campaign has been flawless, highlighted by victories in the Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV, where he displayed a devastating turn of foot that left rivals scrambling.
His performance at Longchamp was therefore watched with great anticipation. The previous year’s Arc saw Gstaad beaten by the Japanese challenger Croix Du Nord in the Prix du Prince d’Orange, but he bounced back spectacularly a month later, clinching a thrilling Arc win over Minnie Hauk. That redemption story added an extra layer of intrigue to his appearance in the trial day.
Another major name on the card was Bay City Roller, currently priced at 14‑1 for the October Arc. The gelding earned his second Group 1 triumph in June when he dominated the Coronation Cup at Epsom, a race run on soft ground that suited his running style. With the conditions at Longchamp expected to be more favourable and the track a familiar venue, Bay City Roller was considered a genuine threat to the field. Two additional contenders, the Antoine Griezmann‑owned Uthred and Quest For Magic, were also entered.
While both carry respectable ratings, they were not expected to challenge for the top two spots. Quest For Magic, however, had shown a spark of form by defeating the Prix Vermeille hopeful Rabbit's Foot in a Listed race, suggesting he could be a factor if he improved.
The three‑year‑old star Gstaad also contested the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp, a race offering a purse just shy of £400,000. This event pitted him against two rivals from the Sussex Stakes, creating a compelling matchup for fans of middle‑distance talent.
In other news, Hollie Doyle rode Owen Burrows’ filly to a Park Hill victory, while Sky Sports Racing highlighted upcoming jumps action from Sedgefield and Bangor‑on‑Dee, reminding viewers that the British National Hunt calendar remains busy alongside the flat season. Francis‑Henri Graffard used the occasion to discuss his stable’s prospects, emphasizing the depth of talent he has under his care. Among the highlights was Friendly Soul, who secured a decisive win in the Prix Vermeille, reinforcing Graffard’s reputation for developing top‑class fillies. Aidan O'Brien, who has often been thwarted by the brilliant Bow Echo this year, finally saw a break in his misfortunes.
Bow Echo had edged O’Brien’s milers in the 2000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes, losing by a combined three lengths. With Bow Echo now retired, O’Brien’s miler, who had already triumphed in the Irish 2000 Guineas, emerged as arguably the best European miler still in training. Opera Ballo and Ten Bob Tony, both having given Gstaad an 8‑pound penalty on the previous day, saw that weight reduced to six pounds for this meeting.
The hope was that the lighter burden would be enough to close the three‑length gap separating them from the leader. Opera Ballo entered the day as a Group 1 winner, having claimed the Jebel Hatta at Meydan in January and then delivering a weight‑carrying performance in the bet365 Mile at Sandown. He was subsequently beaten in the Queen Anne by Ten Bob Tony, who secured his first Group 1 victory at 50‑to‑1 odds with a dramatic finish.
Kieran Shoemark’s mount, after a poor start in the City of York Stakes, showed resilience and could finish strongly. Erdenali, a gelded son of Caravaggio, represented the lethal partnership of Graffard and jockey Mickael Barzalona. Although he entered the race unbeaten in Group 3 company, a boxed‑in run saw him finish third despite being the odds‑on favourite. The Qatar Prix Vermeille featured a clash between Sparan Nua and Sunly in a highly competitive Group 1.
Sparan Nua had attempted to step up to a mile and a half in the Yorkshire Oaks, finishing strongly but unable to overhaul Kalpana, the King George winner. Sunly, meanwhile, returned to form after a Group 3 win at Saint‑Cloud and a close second in the Group 2 Prix Corrida. Her recent Group 1 triumph in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet, coupled with a strong showing behind Calandagan in the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud, made her a formidable opponent, especially with Colin Keane aboard. Survie, fresh from a Grade 1 victory in the Christophe Clement Turf Stakes at Saratoga, arrived under the guidance of Ryan Moore.
The horse, owned by the Coolmore syndicate, had previously struggled on the Longchamp track but appeared rejuvenated after a spell in Newmarket. Tattycoram, having beaten Tiffany at Headquarters, also benefited from the latter’s recent Group 1 win in Germany, adding depth to the field. The Qatar Prix la Rochette highlighted the continent’s leading two‑year‑old, Avec Toi, described by trainer Christopher Head as a "machine" after a stunning previous win. The No Nay Never filly faced unbeaten rivals Vignelli and Imperial Strike, promising an exciting contest at 12.58 pm.
Christopher Head also targeted the first two Group contests of the day, entering the promising filly Data in the Qatar Prix d’Aumale at 1.33 pm. Data had shown excellent form in Group 3 company and, if she could handle the step up in distance and class, she was expected to be the one to beat. 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.
The Ballydoyle star had rebounded from a controversial false start at the Epsom equivalent, later finishing a strong third in the King George. Francis‑Henri Graffard entered Varandir, while the Fabre stable fielded Zaraki as another major contender. Additional races included the Fontwell events, with Royal Rhythm attempting to overcome a nine‑pound penalty, Coastal Command returning for the King and Nicky Henderson, and Jiar Madrik chasing a four‑timer. In the United States, a five‑runner Grade 1 at Del Mar offered a potential stepping‑stone to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
Overall, the Arc Trials Day delivered a rich tapestry of form, narratives and future possibilities, setting the stage for an exhilarating run‑up to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe later in the season.