How Daryz went from unraced in March to a Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe champion

Six months was all it took from Daryz to go from making a winning debut in a Longchamp maiden to becoming a Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe champion back at the same Parisian track. It represents a remarkable journey through the ranks, with the odd speedbump along the way.

Flawless start

The Aga Khan, one of racing's most influential owner-breeders, died in February and did not even get to see Daryz on the track. 

Unraced at two, the son of 2009 Arc hero Sea The Stars quickly showed promise when making a winning debut at Longchamp under Mickael Barzalona in April and followed that up with further wins at the same track, first in a conditions race in May and then in a Listed contest in June. He got his first namecheck in the Racing Post just before that third win in the Listed Prix Ridgway.

Daryz (near) beats Minnie Hauk in the Arc at LongchampCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Daryz's rapid rise went up another gear in the Prix Eugene Adam at Saint-Cloud, where he had clearly already established a reputation. He was sent off evens favourite for the Group 2 and despite some keenness in the early stages, kept on well to beat Bay City Roller by three-quarters of a length.

The victory meant he entered the Arc reckoning as a serious contender and he was cut into 14-1. Trainer Francis Graffard described him as "a horse I like a lot" but said he needed more experience. Connections were clearly excited too, as the Aga Khan Stud's racing manager Nemone Routh added: "He's entered in the Arc and, while he's yet to encounter really soft ground, he might easily run in the race this year. He's bred to be very good."

Tough International experience

A first overseas trip was given the green light with Daryz sent to York for the Juddmonte International following reported good work, although Routh warned the trip to the Knavesmire "might come a bit early".

In a strangely run contest, the field ignored pacemaker Birr Castle before the race developed into a panicked scramble up the home straight to pick up the rank outsider. Ombudsman managed it but it did not suit Daryz, who showed some immaturity beforehand and pulled too hard before finishing sixth.

Daryz and Mickael Barzalona return after winning the Prix Eugene Adam at Saint-Cloud in June

Routh said afterwards: "It was such a strange race and we were a bit frustrated because we didn't feel like we learned much from it."

It was felt another run was probably needed if he was to re-enter the Arc picture.

Trial revival

The Prix du Prince d'Orange and a return to Longchamp was Daryz's chance to get back on track and he did just that despite a short-head defeat to Croix Du Nord.

Mickael Barzalona: has ridden Daryz on all seven startsCredit: Getty Images

Held up by Barzalona, he ran on well but failed to reach the Japanese leader and was beaten a short head. But it was a step forward on Racing Post Ratings and, more importantly, represented a pleasing return to form. Routh said "he's not done anything that would put you off" regarding a possible tilt at the Arc.

Arc hero

After pleasing in his pre-Longchamp work, Daryz arrived at the Arc as one of three representatives for Graffard. Sent off 12-1, he made the most of a good draw in stall two. Entering the straight, Barzalona locked eyes on Minnie Hauk after her move into the lead and was in the ideal spot. Daryz was the only one who looked likely to reel in Minnie Hauk and he did more than just that, passing the favourite in the closing stages to win by a head and crown his ascent to the top of the middle-distance ranks.

Top tipping!

The 12-1 Arc winner Daryz was tipped by our Spotlight expert Steve Boow in his racecard analysis of the race, and by Cracking The Puzzle’s Harry Wilson.

Racing Post+ subscribers can gain access to Spotlight advice for EVERY race in Britain and Ireland by signing up to our Insights tier for just £14.95 a month, a package which also includes unlimited access to our cards, full race replays, statistics and race analysis.

Keep your eye on the Racing Post website and app for Harry Wilson’s weekly tips covering Premier meetings and the big ITV races.

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