The Arc Trials at Longchamp on Sunday delivered a spectacular line‑up, with Daryz, Gstaad, Opera Ballo and Benvenuto Cellini all taking centre stage in what promises to be a decisive prelude to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Each of these horses arrived with a distinct résumé, and the day's races offered a vivid snapshot of the form and fitness that could shape the rest of the European flat‑racing calendar. Daryz, the recent Arc champion, made his return to Longchamp in the Prix Foy, a traditional trial that often signals a horse’s intent to defend the big prize in October. The French‑trained colt, who captured the Arc in record‑time, looked sharp and eager, confirming that his connections are targeting a repeat victory in Europe’s most prestigious race.
His performance in the Foy will be dissected by punters and analysts alike, as a strong showing could cement him as the early favourite for the October showdown. Equally intriguing was the re‑appearance of Francis‑Henri Graffard’s four‑year‑old star, who has not been seen in race action since finishing third in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. That race was marred by a disruptive episode in the stable, which gave Graffard a plausible excuse for the less‑than‑ideal run. Aside from that blemish, the horse has compiled an immaculate record this season, winning the Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV with a devastating turn of foot that left rivals struggling to keep pace.
His form suggests he could be a serious contender both in the trial and in the Arc itself. The meeting also featured a reminder of last season’s drama when Japanese challenger Croix Du Nord edged out the home‑trained Bay City Roller in the Prix du Prince d’Orange. Bay City Roller, currently priced at 14‑1 for the October Arc, has demonstrated genuine Group 1 class, having dispatched a strong field in the Coronation Cup at Epsom in June.
That victory came on soft ground, and with the autumn going to favour softer going, a return to the familiar Longchamp track could see him close the gap to the front‑runners. Two other entries, Uthred (owned by footballer Antoine Griezmann) and Quest For Magic, are unlikely to feature prominently in the betting markets, but they still carry a respectable rating.
Quest For Magic’s recent triumph over Prix Vermeille hopeful Rabbit’s Foot in a Listed race demonstrates that he can rise to the occasion when the conditions suit. Three‑year‑old Gstaad, a rising star, will contest the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp, a race that offers a purse just shy of £400,000.
Gstaad’s campaign this season has been marked by a series of high‑profile clashes, including a notable encounter with two Sussex Stakes rivals. His participation adds further depth to the day’s programme and underscores the quality of the field.
The day’s schedule also included a host of supporting events. Hollie Doyle rode Owen Burrows’ filly to a Park Hill victory, while Sky Sports Racing highlighted the upcoming Leger meeting at Doncaster and jumps action from Sedgefield, Bangor‑on‑Dee and other venues. These broadcasts provide fans with a comprehensive view of the sport’s breadth, from classic distance contests to the excitement of National Hunt racing.
Aidan O’Brien’s stable has endured a frustrating series of near‑misses against the brilliant Bow Echo, who bested his horses in the 2000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes by a cumulative three lengths. Nevertheless, O’Brien’s miler, who claimed the Irish 2000 Guineas earlier in the season, now stands as arguably the best European miler following Bow Echo’s retirement. Opera Ballo, a Group 1 winner this year after triumphing in the Jebel Hatta at Meydan and delivering a weight‑carrying masterclass in the bet365 Mile at Sandown, will face a reduced weight penalty of six pounds against Gstaad.
Ten Bob Tony, who upset Opera Ballo in the Queen Anne, also carries the same reduced penalty, and both connections will hope the lighter burden is enough to erase the three‑length gap that separated them in their previous meeting. Another noteworthy contender is Erdenali, a gelded son of Caravaggio trained by Graffard and piloted by Mickaël Barzalona. Erdenali entered his last Group 3 start as the odds‑on favourite but was boxed in and finished third.
Given his unbeaten record at that level, he remains a serious threat if he can find a clear run. The Qatar Prix Vermeille will pit Sparan Nua against Sunly in a competitive Group 1 clash.
Sparan Nua showed promise when stepping up to a mile‑and‑a‑half in the Yorkshire Oaks, finishing strongly but unable to overhaul the King George winner Kalpana. Sunly, meanwhile, has been on an upward trajectory, capturing a Group 3 at Saint‑Cloud, narrowly missing out in the Group 2 Prix Corrida, and later adding the Group 1 Prix Jean et Louis Romanet to her résumé. With Colin Keane aboard, she could prove difficult to beat.
Recent Grade 1 winner Survie, who triumphed in the Christophe Clement Turf Stakes at Saratoga, will be ridden by Ryan Moore. Though his previous run at Longchamp was hampered by a poor start, the horse appears rejuvenated after a spell in Newmarket and could be a dark horse in the day’s later races.
Tattycoram, fresh from a victory over Tiffany at Headquarters—a filly who has since claimed a Group 1 in Germany—will also feature, adding further depth to the field. Among the juveniles, Avec Toi, hailed as Europe’s standout two‑year‑old of 2026, will contest the Qatar Prix la Rochette. Trainer Christopher Head described the filly as a "machine" after a stunning win last time out. She will face unbeaten rivals Vignelli and Imperial Strike, making the race a showcase of the next generation of classic contenders.
Christopher Head could also secure the first two Group victories of the card with his promising filly Data in the Qatar Prix d’Aumale at 1.33 pm. Data impressed in Group 3 company recently, and if she handles the step up in distance and class, she may become the one to beat.
British representation will be provided by Ed Bethell’s Rogue Passion. The 4 pm Qatar Prix Niel will see Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini representing Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stable. After a controversial false start at the Epsom equivalent and a solid third in the King George, the colt has shown resilience and quality.
Francis‑Henri Graffard will oppose him with Varandir, while the Fabre team will field Zaraki as a significant challenger. The day’s programme also includes a series of French jumps meetings at Fontwell, featuring Royal Rhythm, Coastal Command, Jiar Madrik and a five‑runner Grade 1 at Del Mar, which often serves as a stepping stone to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Together, these events illustrate the breadth of the sport, from flat sprints to staying contests and from domestic trials to international championships. Overall, the Arc Trials at Longchamp offered a rich tapestry of form, fitness and intrigue.
Fans and bettors alike will dissect each performance, looking for clues that could shape the rest of the season and, ultimately, determine who will lift the coveted Arc trophy in October.