Daryz returns in the Prix Ganay with the aim of continuing his dominance in Europe

The Arc hero reappears at ParisLongchamp in a demanding clash, with André Fabre fielding three runners in an attempt to unseat him

Daryz defeating Minnie Hawk in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe / IFHA

PARIS, France (Special to Turf Diario).- The return of a champion always generates anticipation, but when it comes to the most recent winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1), the spotlight grows even brighter. This Sunday at ParisLongchamp, Daryz will make his reappearance in the Prix Ganay (G1), launching his 4-year-old campaign in what promises to be a demanding test.

The son of Sea The Stars, bred by the Aga Khan Studs, arrives in peak physical condition, as his trainer Francis Graffard made clear: “He’s in fantastic shape, looks magnificent. He’s a strong horse, so we started working him early. I didn’t want it to take too long to get him ready, and he’s trained really well.”

The plan holds no surprises: the Ganay was always intended as his starting point. But behind this return lies an ambitious roadmap. “I wouldn’t mind dropping him back to the distance of the Prix d’Ispahan (G1). I think he has the speed for it. I’m very happy with him, and 2100 meters is a good place to begin,” Graffard added.

Still, the race is far from straightforward. Just six runners are set to line up, but the quality is extremely high. Legendary trainer André Fabre, record holder with eight wins in the Ganay, will field a strong trio: Bright Picture (Intello), Cualificar (Lope de Vega), and First Look (Lope de Vega), all coming out of the Prix d’Harcourt (G2) over the same course.

Regarding First Look, one of the leading contenders, Richard Brown commented: “He worked on Tuesday and André was very pleased. It’s a deep Ganay, but he already has two runs under his belt. He’s up against an Arc winner, but he has the edge in fitness and the distance suits him perfectly. It’s a big challenge, but we’ll give it a go.”

The field is completed by the durable Arrow Eagle (Gleneagles), winner of the Prix Royal-Oak (G1) and half-brother to unbeaten star Ace Impact (Cracksman), and the mare Aventure (Sea The Stars), heroine of the Prix Vermeille (G1), adding even more depth to a race that, despite its small field, carries the feel of a championship.

For Daryz, this will be far more than a comeback.

It will be the first step in proving that his Arc triumph was not the peak… but merely the beginning of a reign he aims to extend.