Despite acknowledging a preference for soft going, Oisin Murphy believes Bay City Roller has a ‘live chance’ regardless of the going ahead of Sunday’s heralded Arc at Longchamp.
The Victorious Forever-owned New Bay colt has won just twice since his Futurity success in 2024. Seven of his 11 subsequent races saw him finish second, including twice over the Arc course and distance.
However, the two victories he’s had were won by a combined 17 lengths, both on soft going. The first came in the Preis Von Bayern, beating Tiffany by seven lengths. The second was a devastating display in the Coronation Cup, beating last year’s winner Jan Brueghel by 10 lengths.
He proved that was no fluke when close up behind Daryz in a prep race for the pair after a break. While he is a potent force when the mud is flying, Oisin Murphy believes he shouldn’t be overlooked on a sounder surface.
Murphy told Sky Sports Racing: “He’s had a very good preparation. He was really good in the early part of the year and this has been the long-term plan.
“He just handles testing ground better than most. He has a very high cruising speed, a great temperament but is good on most ground. He’s very adaptable, doesn’t waste energy and he has speed. He kind of has all the attributes, and he relaxes very well. That gives him a chance when conditions are really testing. But looking at the week’s weather forecast it’s up in the air how much rain they’re going to get.
“The plan is to line up either way and the Arc is a race I’ve always wanted to win. So it’s great to have a live chance.”
‘Good horses win from anywhere’ – Murphy not perturbed by conditions
Whether Bay City Roller can reverse the Prix Foy form with Daryz remains to be seen, but on that contest, Murphy said: “That ground was really fast and I was surprised he gave me such a good feel. At the bottom of the straight I thought he was away. But Daryz, to the eye, looked like he won very easily. But it will be a different sort of race on Sunday and let’s see what happens. I’m really grateful to be riding him.
The draw nor early field position is a hindrance in Murphy’s eyes either, as he noted: “Watching Daryz last year, he was three back and one off the fence but horses win from anywhere.
“Sea The Stars was down the rail, Dylan Thomas was down the rail for much of the race. Golden Horn was wide for much of the race and sat one off the trip. Treve was three deep on the false straight, even four deep one year with Thierry Jarnet. Good horses win from anywhere.
Bay City Roller impressed Murphy in his final piece of work, as the Irishman concluded: “He did a seven furlong hit-out on the Rowley Mile and he didn’t sweat or blow either. He’s an amazing horse and did some fast sectionals. The fact he can do that at the races, he’s kind of one-of-a-kind.”