Daryz returned in flawless form and is already eyeing a title defense in the Arc

The champion delivered a masterclass performance in the Prix Foy (G2), with Mickael Barzalona barely needing to extend him; Francis-Henri Graffard was left thrilled with his fitness ahead of the ultimate goal on October 4

PARIS, France (Special for Turf Diario).— He had to return. Win, if possible. But above all else, Daryz needed to walk away from the Prix Foy (G2) with fuel left in the tank, ready to arrive four weeks from now for the day that truly matters.

He delivered on every front. The defending champion of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) resurfaced this Sunday at ParisLongchamp with a victory as comfortable as it was convincing, clearing Bay City Roller (New Bay) by 1 3/4 lengths and leaving his trainer Francis-Henri Graffard with the firm feeling that preparation for the October 4 target is moving along strictly according to plan.

Daryz had not raced since June, when he finished third in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot—a performance his connections always viewed as well below his true capabilities and for which they found ample excuse. That English expedition was quickly put behind them, and since then every detail was mapped out with a single objective in mind: attempting to capture the Arc for a second consecutive year.

The Prix Foy served as the opening stride down that final stretch. The presence of Bay City Roller added plenty of intrigue to the contest. Fresh off a 10-length demolition in the Coronation Cup (G1) and with the Arc also on his radar, the George Scott trainee shaped up as an opponent capable of putting the favorite to the test.

And he tried. Partnered with Oisin Murphy, Bay City Roller quickly seized the initiative and attempted to set a honest tempo to neutralize one of Daryz's greatest weapons: that lethal turn of foot he has displayed time and again at ParisLongchamp.

It was not enough. Mickael Barzalona rode with supreme confidence aboard the son of Sea The Stars, waiting for the ideal moment to strike. With about 200 meters remaining, Daryz bridged the gap onto Bay City Roller with effortless grace, and it instantly became obvious the race was over.

Barzalona barely needed to hand-ride him home. Daryz struck the front, opened up a margin, and hit the wire with room to spare without ever being fully extended. Which was precisely what Graffard had hoped to see.

"I couldn't be happier with today's prep," the trainer explained. "We had a good horse in front of us, and luckily Oisinpicked up the tempo along the rise. Daryz traveled so smoothly. For me as a trainer, it was the best possible preparation. He will improve significantly off this run because I left plenty of room for improvement. He should arrive spot-on in four weeks."

Daryz immediately reclaimed his elite stature following the minor bump at Ascot. He returned to ParisLongchampand once again looked like the absolute star everyone expected.

Four weeks remain. Time enough to fine-tune the final details, but short enough not to disrupt a proven formula. Daryzdid precisely what was required in the Prix Foy: he won, impressed, and barely spent a drop. The champion is back. And his Arc crown remains firmly in place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KOj6uIepAk