2025 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Daryz is out to back up his successful return in the Prix Ganay last month as he lines up in the Prix Agan Khan IV. Formerly known at the Prix d’Ispahan, the Aga Khan Studs owned-colt would be a poignant winner of the Group 1.
The son of Sea The Stars has been met with just two defeats in his eight-raced career. The first came when having a complete blip in the Juddmonte International. A stepping stone to the Arc saw him beaten a short-head in the Prix du Prince d’Orange, before his Group 1 glory.
Speaking to the Press Association, via At The Races, Francis-Henri Graffard said: “His first start of the season was very impressive, he has been very well since that. It has always been my plan to run in this race after the Ganay.
“He’s a strong horse with good speed on him and I’m not scared of dropping him back in distance. The way he gallops in the morning, I don’t think the trip will be a problem.”
Graffard continued, as he dangled the possibility of a trip to Royal Ascot: “We will have to see about Royal Ascot after this. This week is another Group One and hopefully after that we can come to Ascot.”
‘It’s much stronger this year’ – Andre Fabre concerned for last year’s winner Sosie
Sosie took the contest last season after like Daryz, success in the Prix Ganay. Sosie was five lengths adrift of Daryz in the Arc last season, but recorded a career best effort next time out. He made a pleasing reappearance, but Andre Fabre isn’t so sure he can back that up. “I’m happy with the condition of Sosie, but not the ground. It is very soft and he would prefer better ground. The lack of runners is also a concern so we will see what happens.
“It was a weaker race when he won it last year, it is much stronger this year. Travelling over to Hong Kong does not seem to affect him. He is used to it and we know he likes this track.”
Leffard was also behind Daryz in the Arc, but returned with an eye-catching second in the Prix d’Harcourt last month. Part-owner John Hammond said: “He did very good finishing fractions. I think that influenced the decision a bit to not be afraid to drop back in distance. I don’t think there is a whole lot between him and Sosie. If Daryz runs to his best, he will be very hard to beat.”
The general consensus is they will all have to improve to beat Daryz here. That includes the sole British runner Qilin Queen, a course winner here last season for Ed Walker.