The Aga Khan Studs enjoyed a flawless afternoon at ParisLongchamp during the main trials for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
- Turf Diario
- hace 8 horas
- 3 min de lectura
Beyond the triumphant comeback of Daryz in the Prix Foy (G2), the green and red silks celebrated victories with Varandir in the Prix Niel (G2) and Erdenali in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (G1). Friendly Soul capped off the brilliant day of prep races by capturing the Prix Vermeille (G1)
PARIS, France (Special for Turf Diario).— It was one of those afternoons that Aga Khan Studs will cherish among its fondest memories. ParisLongchamp hosted its traditional prep day toward the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) on Sunday, and the historic green and red colors dominated much of the landscape with three high-caliber victories.
While the perfect return of Daryz (Sea the Stars) in the Prix Foy (G2) was covered separately, the reigning Arc champion's comeback was seamlessly complimented by Varandir in the Qatar Prix Niel (G2-2400 m) and Erdenaliin the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (G1-1600 m), completing a magnificent treble for the operation headed by Princess Zahra Aga Khan and trainer Francis-Henri Graffard.
Varandir shook up the 3-year-old picture by capitalizing on the hot pace set by Montreal (Sea the Stars) to leave an outstanding impression. Placed in a ideal stalking spot throughout by Mickaël Barzalona, the son of Zarak pounced with authority once the leader began to tire, drawing away to score comfortably over Alam (Zelzal).
A close fourth behind Maltese Cross (Sea the Stars) in the Grand Prix de Paris (G1), Varandir confirmed that his previous effort was far more than just a flash in the pan. As Nemone Routh, racing manager for Aga Khan Studs in France, explained, the colt has made remarkable progress both physically and mentally and still required this outing to reach peak fitness.
Already entered in the Arc, his presence in the October feature now looms as a concrete possibility. “Why not run?” Routh pondered. Having two contenders would also hedge against a potential wide post draw, meaning Daryz could find a legitimate, high-class running mate in Varandir.
The stable’s dream afternoon continued in the Prix du Moulin, where Erdenali made the definitive leap into the international elite. Undefeated in his first three starts before placing third with severe traffic trouble in a G3, the son of Caravaggio needed to prove he belonged at the highest level. He did so in resounding fashion.
While Dorset (Wootton Bassett) pressed the leader Opera Ballo (Ghaiyyath) and Gstaad (Starspanglednabber) stalked in behind, Erdenali surged down the lane to overhaul Ten Bob Tony (Night of Thunder). Both pulled clear of the favored Irish challenger, but the Aga Khan Studs homebred always held the upper hand in the duel, hitting the wire with clear authority.
“We needed to know if he was a true G1 horse, and I think he proved it quite decisively,” Routh summarized. His immediate future could lie in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) at Ascot, though a trip to Keeneland had also been given consideration. What is certain is that his elite standing is no longer up for debate.
The card’s other major headliner was the Qatar Prix Vermeille (G1-2400 m), where Friendly Soul returned to the pinnacle of the sport. Winner of the Prix de l'Opéra (G1) two seasons ago and sidelined for all of 2025 due to injury, the mare conditioned by John and Thady Gosden arrived in France fresh off a second-place finish behind Diamond Necklace (St Mark's Basilica) in the Nassau Stakes (G1).
James Doyle took the bull by the horns early, and Friendly Soul responded with immense courage. Composingapplied pressure before turning for home while Pink Panthera (Chachnak) and Sunly (Night of Thunder) mounted late charges from the back, but the daughter of Kingman maintained her advantage all the way to the line to secure the second G1 victory of her career.
It was her first attempt over the grueling 2400-meter distance, and having answered the stamina question, the Arc has now become a viable option. While the final call rests with owners George and Julia Strawbridge, her performance made it abundantly clear that she is fully back to the top-flight form she displayed on this very stage.
The immaculate turf at ParisLongchamp offered significant clues less than a month away from its signature showcase. Friendly Soul opened a new door, Varandir earned his place in the Arc conversation, and Erdenali confirmed his star potential. Above all, however, stood the sheer show of force by Aga Khan Studs, anchored by Daryz on an unforgettable afternoon.
