Francis-Henri Graffard unearthed yet another future star in the famous Agan Khan silks at Saint-Cloud on Tuesday. By Zarak, Daryzan is a half-brother to 2025 Arc hero Daryz out of the 2009 Honk Kong Vase winner Darykana.
Daryzan settled in rear under Mickael Barzalona, and displayed a smart turn of foot to win by five lengths. Speaking on Nick Luck’s Daily Podcast, via Sporting Life, Barzalona said: “He did very, very well yesterday and comes from a good family so we’ve plenty of hope for him.
“It’s hard to judge him on his first race because we don’t know the horses we raced against. But the way he won and the sensation he gave me was pretty good. He did very well from a bad draw to do his own thing on the inside.
“He’s always done everything right on a morning. But it’s never easy when you get to Saint-Cloud drawn 13, first time up. But the race went in a nice way to us.
Daryzan draws Daryz and Calandagan comparisons
Connections have two of the best horses in training in Daryz and Calandagan, and Barzalona drew comparisons to that pair. “He’s very much like Daryz, only a younger age” continued the jockey. “He’s a bit smaller; not the same size as Daryz, but everything could be possible with him as well.”
Daryz made a scintillating return to action when winning the Prix Ganay last month. On the effort, Barzalona said: “I was very impressed. The horse was very relaxed before the race, travelled well on the bridle but never travelled keen. We went slow but when they picked up I could feel like I was going better than everyone and had plenty in my hands. When I released the pressure he picked up very nicely.
“His next target will be the Prix D’Ispahan over 1800m. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him travel very easily through the race” remarked Barzalona. Newly named the Prix Aga Khan IV, Graffard is yet to win the race but evidently has a stronger chance.
Regarding the trip we’re likely to see Daryzan at his best, Barzalona gave listeners a clue. When asked if he’s quicker than Calandagan, he replied “yes, yes he is.”
Calandagan remains on track for the Coronation Cup, which he was second in last season. The next Graffard entrant on these shores is Sahlan, who is entered in the Lockinge next weekend. The son of Wootton Bassett downed Rosallion in the Prix du Moulin last season as the runner up settled for his third second placed-finish in open Group 1 company.