The upcoming Arc Trials Day at ParisLongchamp promises an impressive lineup, featuring the likes of Daryz, Gstaad, Opera Ballo and Benvenuto Cellini among others. This gathering of top‑class horses offers a tantalising glimpse of the form that will shape the rest of the European season, especially the much‑anticipated Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Daryz, the recent Arc champion, makes his return to Longchamp as part of a prep campaign aimed at defending his title.
His first test will be the Prix Foy, a race traditionally used by Arc hopefuls to sharpen their fitness. The French‑bred gelding will be looking to reaffirm his superiority after a stellar performance in the Arc, and his connections hope the Prix Foy will provide a perfect stepping stone toward a repeat victory.
Francis‑Henri Graffard’s other star, a four‑year‑old who last shone in the Prince of Wales's Stakes, is back on the card. Though his performance in that race was marred by a disruptive episode in the stable, he has otherwise enjoyed a flawless season, capturing the Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV with a devastating turn of foot. Those victories demonstrated his ability to accelerate sharply and dominate at the highest level, making him a serious contender in any race he contests. The previous meeting at Longchamp saw this same horse fall short to the Japanese import Croix Du Nord in the Prix du Prince d'Orange, but he quickly rebounded with a memorable Arc win, edging out Minnie Hauk in a thrilling finish.
That resilience highlights his capacity to learn from setbacks and return stronger, a quality that will be on display again on Arc Trials Day. Bay City Roller, currently listed at 14‑1 for the October Arc, also presents an intriguing option. He secured his second Group 1 triumph in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, where he excelled on soft ground. If the going at Longchamp proves to be forgiving and the track suits his running style, he could be in contention for a respectable placing, if not a surprise victory.
Two other entries, the Antoine Griezmann‑owned Uthred and Quest For Magic, are expected to race further down the field. While Quest For Magic did defeat the Prix Vermeille hopeful Rabbit's Foot in a recent Listed race, both horses are likely to be out of the top two positions based on current ratings. Three‑year‑old Gstaad, a rising star, will face two of his Sussex Stakes rivals in the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp.
The race offers a purse just shy of £400,000, adding extra incentive for the connections. Gstaad’s recent performances have shown a blend of speed and stamina, making him a strong candidate for a win or at least a high‑profile placing. The day’s schedule also includes a host of other notable contests. On Sky Sports Racing, Enceladus will clash with Christmas Day and Pienne Bonnard in the 250th St Leger at Doncaster.
Meanwhile, the Leger Festival will see James Doyle respond to Seb Sanders over the Flying Childers, and Hollie Doyle will back Pierre Bonnard for a tenth Leger triumph for Aidan O'Brien. In the Doncaster Cup, George Scott’s Caballo De Mar is set to bounce back in the Town Moor Group 2, having previously claimed the Cup title.
The event promises drama, especially after Seb Sanders expressed frustration following a contentious finish in the Flying Childers. Aidan O'Brien’s campaign has been hampered this year by the exceptional Bow Echo, who bested him in three of four starts, including the 2000 Guineas, St James's Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes. However, with Bow Echo now retired, O'Brien’s miler, piloted by Ryan Moore, reclaimed a dominant win in the Irish 2000 Guineas and now stands as one of Europe’s leading middle‑distance horses. Opera Ballo and Ten Bob Tony, who previously gave Gstaad an eight‑pound concession, will now face a reduced six‑pound penalty.
Both hope the lighter weight will enable them to close the three‑length gap to the front‑runner. Opera Ballo, a Group 1 winner, captured the Jebel Hatta at Meydan and later displayed impressive stamina in the bet365 Mile at Sandown.
Although he was later beaten in the Queen Anne by Ten Bob Tony, who secured his sole Group 1 victory at 50/1 odds, Opera Ballo remains a formidable opponent, especially under the guidance of jockey Kieran Shoemark. Erdenali, a gelding by Caravaggio trained by Graffard and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, cannot be overlooked.
Despite being boxed in and finishing third as a short‑priced favourite in a recent Group 3, his unbeaten record at that level suggests he still possesses the class to challenge the leaders. The Qatar Prix Vermeille will feature a clash between Sparan Nua and Sunly. Sparan Nua attempted to step up to a mile and a half in the Yorkshire Oaks, showing a late surge but ultimately falling short of the King George winner Kalpana.
Sunly, on the other hand, returned this season with a Group 3 win at Saint‑Cloud and a close second in the Group 2 Prix Corrida. Her form has been bolstered by the subsequent Group 1 triumph of the Wertheimer mare in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet, and she will be partnered with Colin Keane, making her a strong contender. Survie, fresh from a Grade 1 victory in the Christophe Clement Turf Stakes at Saratoga, arrives under Ryan Moore’s tutelage. Owned by George Boughey’s Coolmore interests, Survie struggled on the ParisLongchamp surface earlier in the year but appears revitalised after a successful spell at Newmarket.
Tattycoram recently bested Tiffany at Headquarters, a horse that has since secured a Group 1 win in Germany, adding further credibility to Tattycoram’s recent performance. Among the younger prospects, Avec Toi, hailed as Europe’s leading two‑year‑old of 2026, will contest the Qatar Prix la Rochette at 12:58 pm. Trainer Christopher Head has dubbed the filly a "machine" after a stunning previous victory, and she will face unbeaten rivals Vignelli and Imperial Strike, promising a thrilling contest.
Christopher Head may also claim the first two Group races on the card, as he prepares Data for the Qatar Prix d'Aumale at 1:33 pm. Data impressed in a Group 3 outing and, if she can handle the increased distance and class, she could emerge as the race’s standout.
British representation will be provided by Rogue Passion, trained by Ed Bethell. In the 4 pm Qatar Prix Niel, Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini will be the star for Aidan O'Brien. After a controversial false start at the Epsom equivalent and a solid third in the King George, the Ballydoyle colt demonstrated his class at the Curragh and now aims to cement his reputation. Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Varandir and Fabre’s Zaraki will round out the field, adding depth to the contest.
Additional fixtures include the Fontwell races at 2:20 pm (Royal Rhythm attempting to overcome a nine‑pound penalty), 2:55 pm (Coastal Command returning for the King and Nicky Henderson), and 4:40 pm (Jiar Madrik pursuing a four‑timer). The day will conclude with a five‑runner Grade 1 at Del Mar at 11:00 pm, a race that often serves as a stepping stone to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile.
Overall, Arc Trials Day offers a rich tapestry of high‑quality races, showcasing established champions, emerging talents, and seasoned campaigners. Whether you are tracking potential Arc contenders, seeking insight into future classic prospects, or simply enjoying world‑class racing, this card provides ample excitement and narrative to follow throughout the weekend.