Montreal and Daryzan, a battle with a future flavor in the Guillaume d’Ornano

The colt trained by Aidan O’Brien and the half-brother to the superstar Daryz stand out as the headliners for Saturday’s traditional G2 at Deauville, a race that in recent years has launched stars like New Bay, Almanzor, Mishriff, and Ace Impact toward the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1)

Montreal, Coolmore's contender ahead of the Arc / COOLMORE

DEAUVILLE, France—Certain races carry a rich tradition that demands immediate attention, long before it becomes clear just how far their runners might go. The Prix Guillaume d’Ornano (G2) is undoubtedly one of those contests, and this Saturday at Deauville, it features a fascinating clash between Montreal (Sea the Stars) and Daryzan (Zarak)—two colts with plenty of quality and significant upside remaining.

One does not have to look far back to grasp the true prestige of this event. New Bay (Dubawi) took the title in 2015, Almanzor (Wootton Bassett) in 2016, Mishriff (Make Believe) in 2020, and the unbeaten Ace Impact (Cracksman) in 2023, the latter using it as a stepping stone before capturing the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1). It is a honor roll that firmly establishes the Guillaume d’Ornano as a reliable barometer for elite talent.

On paper, Montreal is the horse to beat. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, he comes off a massive performance, finishing a close third behind stablemate Constitution River (Wootton Bassett) in the Prix du Jockey Club (G1) in late May.

Daryzan also lined up that afternoon, though under very different circumstances. The Aga Khan Studs homebred was making just his second career start after a jaw-dropping debut victory at Saint-Cloud. Still visually green, he never truly threatened the leaders and crossed the line in seventh after making up late ground.

Since that effort, the Francis-Henri Graffard trainee returned to the winner’s circle in a conditions race at Chantilly, prompting his connections to accelerate their plans.

Originally targeting a Listed event on Sunday, the small field size for the Guillaume d’Ornano triggered a quick change of direction.

"Francis left him in the G2, and after the first forfeit stage, the field dropped significantly. We thought it would be a bit silly not to run him when he’s the second-highest rated horse in the group," explained Nemone Routh, French racing manager and director for Aga Khan Studs.

Daryzan also boasts a pedigree that naturally raises expectations: he is a half-brother to Daryz (Sea the Stars), winner of the most recent Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Still, those close to him remain patient.

"He's still quite immature. We believe he has a lot of ability, but he's still a bit of a baby, so we’ll see how he copes. The natural talent is definitely there," noted Routh.

The compact five-runner field could pose a tactical challenge for a colt who is still learning his trade.

"It’s a small group, and it could turn into a tricky race. He’s still learning, but we think very highly of him and believe he has the level for this. He just might lack the racing experience of some of his rivals," Routh added.

The yardstick, of course, remains Montreal.

"He is obviously the horse to beat because he ran a huge race in the Jockey Club. But we also have to remember that was only Daryzan's second start; he was very green, and despite that, he put in a very respectable effort," Routhrecalled.

The original playbook called for a step-by-step approach—first a Listed race, then potentially a G3 target in late September. But the opportunity presented at Deauville changed those plans, offering a much clearer picture of his true standing far sooner than expected.

Along with Montreal and Daryzan, the Guillaume d’Ornano field features Baroud (Frankel), trained by André Fabre and Lavinia Fabre; Hello Jo (Hello Youmzain), from the Mario Baratti barn; and Proof (Dubawi), representing Christopher Head.

Just five runners, yet two of them hold the lion's share of intrigue. Montreal brings proven top-level form; Daryzan, with only three starts under his belt, brings pedigree, raw talent, and immense potential.

In a race that has so often served as a launchpad for future champions, Deauville could once again provide a crucial glimpse into the future this Saturday.