Daryz appears ideally positioned to defend his Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe title in just four weeks, a fact underscored by his authoritative performance in the Prix Foy. Francis-Henri Graffard's colt kicked off his four‑year‑old season in spectacular fashion, adding two more Group One wins to his résumé at the cherished Longchamp racecourse. After a successful return in the Prix Ganay, he followed up with a dominant showing in the Prix Aga Khan IV, confirming his status as a leading middle‑distance contender. The only blemish on his record this year came when he was dispatched to England for the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, where he finished a disappointing third.
Graffard and his team, however, argued that the performance was marred by several mitigating factors, and they expected the Sea The Stars‑sired son to rebound strongly on familiar French turf. On paper, the Prix Foy presented a modestly tricky puzzle. Among the three rivals were George Scott's Bay City Roller, the ten‑length winner of the Coronation Cup and another horse earmarked for the Arc, as well as a further contender of similar calibre.
As anticipated, Bay City Roller was sent straight to the lead by jockey Oisin Murphy, a tactical move designed to test Daryz's renowned finishing kick. From the start, Mickael Barzalona exuded confidence on the mount of the hot favourite. Daryz settled comfortably behind Bay City Roller, matching the pace and conserving energy. With about a furlong left to run, the two horses were neck and neck.
Barzalona simply asked for a little extra, and Daryz responded by pulling ahead, eventually crossing the line a length and three‑quarters clear. Graffard was visibly delighted after the race, telling Sky Sports Racing, "I couldn't be happier with the trial he had today.
We got a good lead and luckily Oisin made the pace a little bit harder at the top of the hill, so the horse was really travelling nicely. For me as a trainer it was the best preparation I could have for the horse. He will come on a lot for that, I left plenty in him, so he should be spot‑on for four weeks' time." Scott, whose runner‑up Bay City Roller proved a worthy opponent, also expressed optimism.
He highlighted the variable conditions expected in Paris, noting that rain could dramatically alter the race dynamics. "Oisin was very happy with him and we'll be hoping for a different set of circumstances in a month's time.
We know that this horse has a high level of form on ground like this, but when it rains he's a different animal. He came here and travelled well, went through the race very well and got beaten by a better horse on the day. In four weeks' time that might be the case again, but it might not, so we'll see," he said. The conversation turned to the broader Arc picture, with both trainers acknowledging that the upcoming October 4 showdown would likely be a completely different contest.
Scott summed it up: "I think he's the best version of himself now. The winner might be as well, but in four weeks' time it's going to be completely different. He's going to be an underdog coming back, of course he is – Daryz is a champion and he is unbelievable around here. It was all perfect for him today and set up great, but I was very happy with our horse, Oisin was most happy, so we're looking forward to it." The meeting also featured a thrilling duel between two younger prospects.
Hot favourite Avec Toi, trained by Christopher Head, was forced to dig deep to preserve his unbeaten record in the Qatar Prix la Rochette, a Group Three event at Longchamp. The colt, who had won his first three starts with ease, faced a serious challenge from Imperial Strike, the Andre and Lavinia Fabre‑trained winner of his previous two outings. The finish was a photo‑finish, Avec Toi edging out Imperial Strike by a short head.
Head hinted at a possible rematch in the Prix Jean‑Luc Lagardère four weeks hence, noting, "It was a very nice race with five nice horses. I respected Imperial Strike from the beginning, so I'm very happy our horse won the race and we discovered there's a very nice horse to beat next time too!" In the Qatar Prix d'Aumale, British‑trained Rogue Passion, a filly owned by Ed Bethell, delivered a stunning performance to claim Group Two honours.
After a modest debut at Carlisle three weeks earlier, the filly stepped up sharply in class. Though Francis‑Henri Graffard's Amusingly looked poised to dominate after taking an early lead under Colin Keane, Rossa Ryan timed a decisive challenge for Rogue Passion, who surged ahead in the final strides.
Bethell praised the filly, saying, "We were hoping that she'd run a big race, she's a very nice filly who I've got a lot of time for. Obviously you don't know what you're taking on with the French horses, but she quickened up like a decent filly over the mile there and we're delighted." When asked about a potential trip to Paris for the Prix Marcel Boussac next month, Bethell explained that a decision would involve discussions with the owners at Rogues Gallery, as the filly would need to be supplemented for the race. "We'll let the dust settle today, enjoy it and have the conversation in a few days' time. She's got options, but now she's a Group Two winner we want to try and get a Group One if we can.
Today definitely was not unexpected. She's always shown she's a nice filly and it's a huge credit to the Rogues Gallery and Henry Lascelles who bought her," he added. Overall, the day's results set the stage for an exciting autumn campaign, with Daryz confirming his status as the leading Arc prospect, while younger talents such as Avec Toi, Imperial Strike and Rogue Passion have signalled their intent to challenge at the highest level.
The next month promises a series of pivotal contests that will shape the narrative heading into the premier European middle‑distance race on October 4.