Last season’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Daryz made a dazzling return to action on Sunday with a three and a half length success in the Group 1 Prix Ganay. The son of Sea The Stars was strong in the market, duly obliging to fend off the race-fit Bright Picture.
After going four from four over ten furlongs, he was beaten twice over the trip in better company. He looked at home over twelve in the Arc, but proved he had the turn of foot required to drop back in trip. The performance will’ve opened up plenty of doors this season, but ultimately all roads will lead back to Longchamp in October.
On the win, Jockey Mickael Barzalona told Sky Sports Racing, via Sporting Life: “He ran very well, he settled well during the race. We went very slow. His momentum picked up in a nice way, increasing his acceleration and won by a margin. Delighted by his first run.
“I knew I had plenty in my hands. I was pretty aware we were going to sprint pretty hard and he was ready for that. He was just doing everything the right way and he showed that he’s getting more mature with each race.”
On whether he’s improved this season, Barzalone said: “He’s got more strength, so I wouldn’t be surprised.”
Owner Princess Zahra Aga Khan shared that sentiment, as she remarked: “Very, very thrilled. Of course the horse hasn’t run since the Arc. So you hope that he’s going to be able to reproduce last year’s performances. But really seeing him today, I get the sense that he’s matured a lot and he’s improved a lot.”
Prix d’Ispahan a tempting next step
Royal Ascot has been mentioned as a summer target for Daryz, but the Prix Aga Khan IV, formerly the Prix d’Ispahan, is a tempting possibility. Princess Zahra continued: “It would be lovely to have a runner in that race. Whether it’s the right race for Daryz and his progress through the year, we haven’t really talked about it yet.
“Certainly he’s shown today that we can run him over shorter distances. He has the inherent speed to be able to do that. From thereon where do you want to go from here to the end of the season.
“I think there’s a lot of options and we need to talk about them to see what’s best for him.”