The Arc Trials at ParisLongchamp on Sunday promised a spectacular lineup, and it delivered with a field that included Daryz, Gstaad, Opera Ballo and the newly‑minted Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini. Each horse arrived with a distinct story and a clear objective: to prove form, sharpen fitness and lay the groundwork for the season’s most coveted prize, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Daryz, the recent Arc hero, made his return to Longchamp in the Prix Foy, a traditional prep race for the Arc. The colt’s connections are eager to see him handle the 2,400‑metre test once more, hoping he can replicate the turn of foot that secured his triumph in the Arc last year. A strong performance in the Prix Foy would cement his status as the early favourite for October’s showdown and give his trainer a clear picture of his readiness.
Francis‑Henri Graffard’s four‑year‑old star also re‑emerged after a quiet spell. The only blemish on his record this season was a third‑place finish in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, a result that was partly blamed on a pre‑race incident in the stables. Aside from that, the gelding has been flawless, winning both the Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV with a devastating acceleration that left rivals scrambling. His performance at Longchamp will be scrutinised closely, as he seeks to prove that the earlier setback was an isolated incident rather than a sign of deeper issues.
The Japanese challenger Croix Du Nord, who upset the field at the previous meeting, will also be on the card. Although he was beaten by Daryz’s stablemate in the Arc, his presence adds an international dimension to the trials and reminds everyone that the Arc is truly a global contest.
Bay City Roller entered the day as a 14‑to‑1 outsider for the October showpiece, but his recent Coronation Cup victory at Epsom has turned many heads. That Group 1 win came on soft ground, a condition that suited his running style. If the going at Longchamp holds up and the track plays to his strengths, he could be a serious factor in both the trial and the Arc itself. Two other notable entries, Uthred (owned by football star Antoine Griezmann) and Quest For Magic, are expected to race lower down the order.
While they have shown promise in previous outings, their ratings suggest they are not yet ready to challenge for the top spots. Quest For Magic, however, did manage a respectable win over the Prix Vermeille contender Rabbit's Foot in a Listed race, indicating that he may improve with a longer distance or a different pace scenario. Three‑year‑old Gstaad, a rising star, will contest the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp, a race that offers a purse just under £400,000.
Gstaad’s connections have carefully plotted his campaign, positioning him against two rivals he previously met in the Sussex Stakes. The aim is to gauge his ability against proven milers and to fine‑tune his preparation for the summer’s major mile events. The day also featured a series of noteworthy headlines from the broader racing calendar. Hollie Doyle’s Doncaster Cup ride could become the first Ballydoyle victory at the venue since 2008, while Musical Times, after a dominant May Hill Stakes win at Doncaster, is now slated for the 1000 Guineas at the Leger Festival.
Charlie Appleby has highlighted Musical Times as a serious Classic contender, and Mike Cattermole’s runner‑by‑runner guide for the St Leger underscored the depth of talent in the field. Aidan O'Brien, who has been unlucky against the exceptional Bow Echo on three of his four starts this season, finally saw a taste of redemption when Ryan Moore piloted his mount to a decisive Irish 2000 Guineas victory.
With Bow Echo now retired, O’Brien’s milers are arguably the best in Europe, and the Arc Trials will be a crucial test of their form. Opera Ballo, a Group 1 winner who captured the Jebel Hatta at Meydan and later impressed with a weight‑carrying performance in the bet365 Mile at Sandown, will line up against Ten Bob Tony. Both horses were required to concede eight pounds to Gstaad in a previous encounter; this time the penalty has been reduced to six pounds, a concession that could bring the margin of defeat for each to a manageable level.
Ten Bob Tony’s dramatic upset in the Queen Anne, where he defied 50/1 odds, demonstrates his ability to produce a late surge when it matters most. Erdenali, a gelded son of Caravaggio trained by Graffard and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, remains a dark horse.
He entered his last Group 3 race as the odds‑on favourite but was boxed in and finished third. If he can find a clear run, his unbeaten record at that level could translate into a strong showing today. The Qatar Prix Vermeille will see Sparan Nua and Sunly clash in a fiercely contested Group 1 battle.
Sparan Nua, after a promising run in the Yorkshire Oaks where she finished a close third to Kalpana, looks to improve over the 2,400‑metre distance. Sunly, fresh from a Group 3 win at Saint‑Cloud and a near‑victory in the Group 2 Prix Corrida, has been boosted by a recent Group 1 triumph in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet.
With Colin Keane aboard, Sunly is expected to be a formidable opponent. Survie, the Grade 1 Christophe Clement Turf Stakes winner at Saratoga, arrives under the guidance of Ryan Moore. Though his previous outing at Longchamp was hampered by a poor trip, the Newmarket conditioning appears to have revitalised him, and he could be a surprise factor in the middle of the field.
Tattycoram, fresh from a win over Tiffany at Headquarters, has benefited from the latter’s subsequent Group 1 success in Germany, adding a layer of credibility to her recent form. Among the juveniles, Avec Toi stands out as Europe’s leading two‑year‑old of 2026. Labeled a "machine" by trainer Christopher Head after a dominant victory, the No Nay Never filly will face four rivals in the Qatar Prix la Rochette. Her rivals include unbeaten contenders Vignelli and Imperial Strike, making the race a showcase of emerging talent.
Christopher Head may also secure the first two Group victories of the day, as he saddles the promising filly Data in the Qatar Prix d'Aumale at 1:33 pm. Data impressed in Group 3 company on the previous day and, if she can handle the step up in distance and class, she could become the one to beat. British interest is represented by Rogue Passion, trained by Ed Bethell.
The highlight for many will be the 4:00 pm Qatar Prix Niel, where Aidan O’Brien’s Benvenuto Cellini will take centre stage. The Irish Derby winner, after a controversial false start in the Epsom equivalent and a solid third in the King George, is eager to prove his class at Longchamp. Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Varandir and the Fabre‑trained Zaraki will round out the opposition, promising a high‑quality contest. Additional races on the card include the Fontwell Handicap at 2:20, where Royal Rhythm will attempt to overcome a nine‑pound penalty, and the 2:55 Fontwell contest featuring Coastal Command returning for the King and Nicky Henderson.
The 4:40 Fontwell race will see Jiar Madrik chase a four‑horse field, while the 11:00 Del Mar Grade 1 will feature five runners, the winner often heading to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Overall, the Arc Trials Day provided a comprehensive snapshot of the European middle‑distance and mile divisions, offering insight into form, fitness and the tactical nuances that will shape the Arc and the rest of the season. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat in the ever‑exciting world of thoroughbred racing.