The upcoming Arc Trials Day at ParisLongchamp promises an extraordinary lineup, featuring the likes of Daryz, Gstaad, Opera Ballo and the Italian‑bred Benvenuto Cellini. All four horses are set to contest a series of high‑profile races that will serve as key indicators for the rest of the European flat‑racing season, and especially for the legendary Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe later in the autumn. Daryz, the recent winner of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, will make his return to Longchamp as part of a carefully plotted campaign aimed at defending his title. His first prep run comes in the Prix Foy, a traditional trial that tests stamina and the ability to handle the very same course and distance as the Arc.
By running in the Foy, Daryz’s connections hope to sharpen his turn of foot while confirming that the horse remains in peak condition after the demanding summer schedule. Equally intriguing is Francis‑Henri Graffard’s four‑year‑old 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 stables, which gave Graffard an excuse for the sub‑par performance.
Apart from that blemish, the horse has compiled an almost flawless record, capturing the Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV with a devastating acceleration that left his rivals scrambling. The upcoming trial will be his first serious test since those victories, and observers will be keen to see whether he can translate his proven class into a strong showing in the Arc prep. The last meeting at Longchamp saw the Japanese import Croix Du Nord upset the field in the Prix du Prince d'Orange, beating Daryz’s stablemate.
However, the very next month Daryz rebounded spectacularly, edging out Minnie Hauk in a thrilling renewal of the Arc. That comeback underlines the horse’s resilience and suggests that the upcoming trial could be a showcase of his ability to recover quickly from setbacks. Bay City Roller, currently listed at 14‑1 for the October Arc, is another contender worth watching.
He earned his second Group 1 triumph in June by dominating the Coronation Cup at Epsom, a race run on softer ground that suited his running style. If the October meeting at Longchamp presents similar yielding conditions, Bay City Roller could be well placed to challenge the more fancied runners. His performance will also give a clear picture of whether he can handle the fast, firm turf that typically characterises the Arc.
Two other horses, the Antoine Griezmann‑owned Uthred and the well‑regarded Quest For Magic, are expected to be placed well down the order. While Quest For Magic showed a glimpse of top‑class form by beating the Prix Vermeille hopeful Rabbit's Foot in a Listed race, neither is likely to threaten the leading contenders for the top two spots.
Three‑year‑old Gstaad, a star of the younger division, will be re‑facing two rivals from the Sussex Stakes in the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp. The race offers a purse just shy of £400,000, and the winner will gain a valuable boost in both confidence and rating ahead of the autumn’s major mile contests.
Gstaad’s connections will be hoping that his experience over the same distance will give him an edge over the Sussex Stakes alumni, who may still be adjusting to the French course. The day’s card also includes a host of supporting races that will be broadcast on Sky Sports Racing. Highlights include Enceladus taking on Christmas Day and Pienne Bonnard in the 250th St Leger at Doncaster, as well as a series of Leger Festival stories featuring James Doyle, Hollie Doyle, and Seb Sanders.
These narratives add depth to the meeting, illustrating the broader tapestry of British and Irish racing that intertwines with the French events. Aidan O'Brien’s stable has endured a frustrating series of near‑misses this season, with Bow Echo denying him victory in three of his four starts, including the 2000 Guineas, St James's Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes. Despite those setbacks, O'Brien’s miler, who triumphed in the Irish 2000 Guineas, remains one of the continent’s leading middle‑distance performers now that Bow Echo has retired.
His form will be scrutinised closely during the trial day, as a strong showing could re‑establish O'Brien’s dominance in the mile division. Opera Ballo and Ten Bob Tony, both having carried eight pounds extra to Gstaad in their last encounter, will now face a reduced penalty of six pounds. This modest concession could be enough to close the three‑length gap that currently separates them from the front‑running Gstaad. Opera Ballo, a Group 1 winner who captured the Jebel Hatta at Meydan and later proved his stamina in the bet365 Mile at Sandown, will be looking to replicate that form.
Although he was beaten in the Queen Anne by Ten Bob Tony, who pulled off a 50/1 upset, Opera Ballo’s recent run in the City of York Stakes suggests he still possesses the turn of foot needed to challenge for the top spot. Erdenali, a gelded son of Caravaggio, represents the lethal partnership of Graffard and Mickael Barzalona. After being boxed in and finishing third as the odds‑on favourite in a Group 3, the horse remains unbeaten at that level and could be a serious threat if he can find a clear run. The Qatar Prix Vermeille will see Sparan Nua and Sunly clash in a fiercely contested Group 1.
Sparan Nua, who stepped up to a mile and a half in the Yorkshire Oaks and finished a strong late runner behind Kalpana, will aim to improve on that effort. Sunly, fresh off a Group 3 win at Saint‑Cloud and a narrow defeat to Aventure in the Group 2 Prix Corrida, has been further validated by the Wertheimer mare’s subsequent Group 1 triumph in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet.
With Colin Keane aboard, Sunly is expected to be a hard‑to‑beat contender. Survie, the recent Grade 1 winner of the Christophe Clement Turf Stakes at Saratoga, arrives under the guidance of Ryan Moore. Owned by George Boughey and backed by the Coolmore syndicate, Survie struggled in a previous outing at ParisLongchamp but appears rejuvenated after a successful spell in Newmarket.
Tattycoram, who beat Tiffany at Headquarters, has also benefited from that rival’s recent Group 1 success in Germany, adding further credibility to Tattycoram’s form. Among the younger horses, Avec Toi, widely regarded as Europe’s leading two‑year‑old of 2026, will contest the Qatar Prix la Rochette.
Trainer Christopher Head has described the colt as a "machine" after a stunning victory in his last start. With a pedigree that includes the sprinter No Nay Never, Avec Toi will face unbeaten rivals Vignelli and Imperial Strike, promising a thrilling contest for the future stars of the sport. Christopher Head also has a strong chance of securing the first two Group races on the card with Data in the Qatar Prix d'Aumale. Data impressed in Group 3 company last week, and if she can handle the increase in distance and class, she could be the race’s standout.
The 4 pm Qatar Prix Niel will feature Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini, representing Aidan O'Brien’s Ballydoyle operation. After a controversial false start at the Epsom equivalent and a solid third in the King George, Benvenuto Cellini has shown resilience and class, making him a key attraction for the afternoon.
Other notable entries include Varandir for Graffard and Zaraki for Fabre, both of whom could influence the outcome of the Niel. The day will also feature a series of Fontwell races, with Royal Rhythm attempting to overcome a nine‑pound penalty, Coastal Command returning for the King and Nicky Henderson, and Jiar Madrik chasing a four‑timer. Finally, the Del Mar Grade 1 at 11 am will showcase a five‑runner field, with the winner often heading to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, adding an international dimension to the day’s racing narrative. Overall, the Arc Trials Day at ParisLongchamp offers a rich tapestry of storylines, from established champions testing their mettle ahead of the Arc, to emerging juveniles making a name for themselves on the world stage.
The outcomes will shape betting markets, influence trainer strategies, and provide racing fans with a full day of high‑quality competition.