Erdenali stepped up to the elite level in spectacular fashion, demonstrating a clear superiority over the field in the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp. The race, a Group One contest, attracted a strong contingent from Britain and Ireland, with Aidan O'Brien’s Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Gstaad entering as the overwhelming favorite. Close behind were Charlie Appleby’s Opera Ballo and Ed Walker’s Ten Bob Tony, both considered serious threats.
In contrast to those seasoned campaigners, Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Erdenali was still a relative newcomer to Group One company. He had, however, shown considerable promise by winning his first three starts and had narrowly missed out on a victory in a recent Group Three, finishing a disappointing third after an unlucky trip. Despite his limited experience at the highest level, the colt was regarded as an intriguing prospect. On race day, the early pace was dictated by Gstaad’s pacemaker, Dorset, who set a brisk tempo that suited the front‑runners.
Appleby’s Opera Balli attempted to seize the lead early but began to tire as the race entered the final furlong. At that point, both Erdenali and the unexpected Queen Anne winner Ten Bob Tony surged forward, challenging for dominance. Erdenali proved the stronger of the two, pulling ahead and establishing a clear advantage.
Gstaad, who had never seemed to threaten the lead, faded into a disappointing third place. The French racing manager and director for the Aga Khan Studs, Nemone Routh, explained to Sky Sports Racing that the performance confirmed Erdenali’s Group One credentials. She noted that the horse often appears modest in the morning but comes together brilliantly in the afternoon, adding that a better trip in the recent Group Three could have delivered an unbeaten record.
Following the victory, Erdenali was promptly installed as Coral’s 2‑1 favorite for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot. However, the stable’s extensive roster of top‑class milers meant that final plans remained fluid.
Routh mentioned that the team also has Samangan, who could contest the Prix de la Forêt if the ground turns soft, and Rayif, a potential entrant for the QEII. She hinted at a possible future run at Keeneland but emphasized that the horse’s proven ability at the highest level would guide any further decisions. Ed Walker, speaking about his runner‑up Ten Bob Tony, expressed immense pride and emotion, saying he had “lost his voice” from excitement. He praised the colt’s season, describing it as a dramatic improvement and acknowledging that the race had been a “huge run.” Walker admitted that he had initially underestimated the winner, Erdenali, and now recognized the quality of the victor.
He reiterated that the original plan was always to target the QEII, with a possible Breeders’ Cup appearance thereafter, depending on the horse’s health and form. The race report continued with a brief note on other events at the meeting.
Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini, who had been a favorite for the Epsom Derby before a starting‑stall incident forced his withdrawal, had rebounded to claim Classic glory at the Curragh. Yet his performance in the Qatar Prix Niel was underwhelming; after chasing his stablemate Montreal, he faded to fifth place. In contrast, Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Varandir, a close fourth in the Grand Prix de Paris, seized the lead in the final stages under jockey Mickael Barzalona and secured a comfortable victory over the staying‑on Alam. When asked whether Varandir’s win was unexpected, Routh responded that it was not a shock.
She highlighted the horse’s steady improvement throughout the season, noting that his performance in the Grand Prix de Paris had shown significant progress since his Group Three win. She added that Varandir had become both mentally and physically stronger, and the race had provided a needed confidence boost after a relatively heavy preparatory run. Varandir’s odds for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe were dramatically shortened by Coral from 40‑1 to 20‑1, reflecting the growing confidence in his ability to compete against the world’s best.
The connections also have last year’s Arc champion Daryz slated to defend his title, meaning Varandir will share the spotlight with a proven champion. Routh indicated that the owner, Princess Zahra, would be consulted, but she personally believes the horse belongs in the Arc field.
She also mentioned the tactical advantage of entering multiple runners, noting that a wide draw for one horse can be offset by a favourable position for another, thereby maximizing the stable’s chances. Overall, the Qatar Prix du Moulin highlighted Erdenali’s arrival as a genuine Group One contender, while Varandir’s victory reinforced the depth and quality of the Aga Khan Studs’ miler and middle‑distance stock.
Both horses have now secured their places on the spring racing calendar, with upcoming targets that include the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and potentially international engagements such as the Breeders’ Cup and Keeneland meets. Their performances underscore the importance of patient development, strategic placement, and the ability to peak at the right moment in elite flat racing.