The Aga Khan Studs and Francis-Henri Graffard may have unearthed another gem on Tuesday. Remarkably, that discovery may have emerged from the same family as their Prix de l’Arc de Triopmhe hero.
Daryzan was extremely impressive at Saint-Cloud on debut. He is a half-brother to Arc winner Daryz. Unlike his sibling though, he is by Zarak, with Daryz by Sea The Stars. However, it seems whoever the sire is, dam Daryakana will produce offspring of distinct ability.
Sent off the odds-on favourite for his 1m contest on Tuesday, Daryzan was ridden patiently by Mickael Barzalona. His turn of foot took a while to kick in when asked, with greenness potentially preventing him from winning by further. However, when the accelerator stopped jamming, Daryzan put the race to bed easily.
The three-year-old ultimately had five lengths in hand at the line. Those in behind were similarly well-bred types, but had no chance against Graffard’s latest potential star.
“He really flew home” – Graffard
Graffard spoke to Sky Sports Racing, via At The Races, afterwards. He spoke very glowingly about Daryakana, Daryzan’s dam, and outlined the work put in to get her latest progeny to the track in best shape.
“I’m very pleased. He was very, very immature this horse, so a lot of work was done at the yard to calm him down and build him in progression.
“He was ready to make a nice debut. I didn’t know about the (soft) ground, but I think he was nicely impressive today – as soon as Mickael hit him once to see if he was going to respond, he really flew home.
“I think he has some improvement (to come), obviously the mother (Daryakana) is incredible.”
Questions will inevitably be asked surrounding the possibility of him emulating Daryz later in the campaign. Daryzan is not quite as stoutly-bred as his half-sibling, with Sea The Stars a more potent sire for stamina purposes than Zarak. Indeed, jockey Barzalona tempered enthusiasm of an immediate step up in trip, though his trainer believes middle distances could yet be in his future.
“I think he will stay 10 furlongs no problem, but Mickael said he didn’t understand everything today, so he was not confident about stepping him up in trip straight away.
“I will look at the programme and see how he comes out. He has a whole season ahead of him.”
The French 2000 Guineas will come too soon for Daryzan on Sunday. It is unclear whether a tilt at the Prix du Jockey Club could be forthcoming in June.