The Arc Trials Day at ParisLongchamp on Sunday brought together an impressive lineup, featuring the likes of Daryz, Gstaad, Opera Ballo and Benvenuto Cellini, each poised to make a mark ahead of the season's biggest contests. Daryz, the recent Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe champion, made his return to the Longchamp turf as part of his preparation for defending the coveted title. His target this time is the Prix Foy, a key trial that often serves as a final stepping stone before the Arc itself. The French colt’s performance will be closely watched by punters and trainers alike, as a strong showing could signal that he remains in peak condition for the autumn showdown.
Equally compelling is the resurgence of Francis‑Henri Graffard’s star, who has not been seen in the saddle since a third‑place finish in the Prince of Wales's Stakes. That race was marred by a disruptive episode in the stable, which many observers felt unfairly affected his performance. Aside from that isolated incident, the four‑year‑old has enjoyed an almost flawless campaign, capturing the Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV with a devastating turn of foot that left rivals scrambling. His recent form suggests he is still very much a contender for the Arc and could use the Prix Foy as a platform to sharpen his finishing kick.
Last season, the same meeting saw the Japanese import Croix Du Nord upset the field in the Prix du Prince d'Orange, but our focus today shifts to Bay City Roller, currently listed at 14‑1 for the October Arc. The gelding earned his second Group 1 triumph in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, where he thrived on soft ground and displayed a powerful late surge. With the ground expected to be more forgiving and the track familiar, Bay City Roller could be within striking distance of the leader if the conditions suit his running style. Two other entries, the Antoine Griezmann‑owned Uthred and the well‑regarded Quest For Magic, are unlikely to feature prominently in the early fractions.
Quest For Magic, however, did notch a win over Prix Vermeille hopeful Rabbit's Foot in a Listed race, indicating that he possesses the class to surprise if the pace unfolds in his favor. Turning to the three‑year‑old division, Gstaad returns to Longchamp to contest the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp, a race that offers a purse just shy of £400,000. The colt will face two rivals he previously met in the Sussex Stakes, and his connections hope he can replicate his earlier performances on the same course.
Gstaad’s recent form has been solid, and with a favorable weight assignment, he could be a serious threat. In the broader racing calendar, Sky Sports Racing highlights a Leger meeting at Doncaster, featuring the Park Hill and May Hill contests, while jump racing enthusiasts can look forward to action at Sedgefield and Bangor‑on‑Dee later in the week. These programmes underscore the diversity of the sport, offering fans a mix of flat and National Hunt action. Aidan O'Brien, who has been unlucky to meet the formidable Bow Echo on three of his four starts this year, finally sees a clear path after Bow Echo’s retirement.
O'Brien’s miler, who previously fell short by narrow margins in the 2000 Guineas, St James's Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes, captured the Irish 2000 Guineas earlier in the season. With the dominant Bow Echo no longer a factor, his horse now stands as arguably the best European miler heading into the autumn.
Opera Ballo, a Group 1 winner who captured the Jebel Hatta at Meydan in January and later proved his stamina in the bet365 Mile at Sandown, will again test his mettle against Gstaad. Both horses carried an eight‑pound penalty in their previous encounter, now reduced to six pounds, a concession that could bring the finish within a few lengths.
Ten Bob Tony, who upset Opera Ballo in the Queen Anne Stakes at 50‑to‑1 odds, also returns, hoping to repeat his dramatic victory. Another notable contender is Erdenali, a gelded son of Caravaggio, trained by Graffard and piloted by Mickael Barzalona.
Erdenali entered his last Group 3 race as the odds‑on favourite but was boxed in and finished third. Given his unbeaten record at the lower level, he remains a threat if the race unfolds without traffic issues. The Qatar Prix Vermeille promises a thrilling showdown between Sparan Nua and Sunly.
Sparan Nua showed promise over the mile‑and‑a‑half distance in the Yorkshire Oaks, finishing strongly but unable to overhaul Kalpana, the King George winner. Sunly, meanwhile, captured a Group 3 at Saint‑Cloud and later ran a close second to Aventure in the Group 2 Prix Corrida. Her recent form was bolstered by a Group 1 victory in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet, and with Colin Keane aboard, she could be hard to beat.
Survie, fresh from a Grade 1 win in the Christophe Clement Turf Stakes at Saratoga, arrives under the guidance of Ryan Moore. The Coolmore‑owned horse struggled in a previous outing at Longchamp but appears rejuvenated after a spell at Newmarket, making him a dark horse for the day. Among the younger talent, Tattycoram recently defeated Tiffany at Headquarters, a filly who has since claimed a Group 1 in Germany, indicating that Tattycoram’s form is on an upward trajectory.
The highlight for two‑year‑olds is the Qatar Prix la Rochette, where Avec Toi, dubbed a "machine" by trainer Christopher Head after a stunning win, will face three rivals. The No Nay Never offspring is expected to dominate, but unbeaten challengers Vignelli and Imperial Strike will provide a stern test. Christopher Head also targets the early Group contests, entering Data in the Qatar Prix d'Aumale at 1.33 pm. Data impressed in a Group 3 race recently, and if she can handle the increase in distance and class, she could be the standout.
British representation arrives in the form of Rogue Passion, trained by Ed Bethell. At 4 pm, the Qatar Prix Niel features Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini for Aidan O'Brien. After a controversial false start at the Epsom equivalent, the Ballydoyle colt rebounded with a strong third in the King George, confirming his class.
Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Varandir and Fabre’s Zaraki round out the field, promising a competitive finish. The day's schedule also includes several notable jumps fixtures: Fontwell hosts Royal Rhythm at 2.20 pm, who must concede nine pounds; Coastal Command returns for the King and Nicky Henderson at 2.55 pm; and Jiar Madrik chases a four‑runner field at 4.40 pm. Later, Del Mar will stage a five‑runner Grade 1 at 11.00 pm, with the winner often targeting the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Overall, Arc Trials Day offers a rich tapestry of talent across ages, distances and surfaces, providing racing fans with a preview of the form that will shape the rest of the season.
Whether you are tracking the Arc hopefuls, the emerging juveniles, or the seasoned stayers, there is plenty to discuss, analyse and anticipate as the autumn racing calendar unfolds.