Arc hopes very much alive for back-to-form Daryz

Daryz looks to have booked his ticket to the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with his runner-up finish at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.

Francis-Henri Graffard’s three-year-old had previously been seen at York for a star-studded Juddmonte International with an unblemished record, having won all four career starts.

However, with fellow Gallic raider Birr Castle setting rapid sectionals and bursting clear, the race had an unfamiliar look and Daryz trailed in last of six on the Knavesmire.

But back in action for the Prix du Prince d’Orange at the weekend, he showed much more of his previous promise, just failing to catch Japanese Derby winner Croix Du Nord by a short head.

“We wanted to see him run again as things didn’t go right at York and we didn’t know what to think of it afterwards,” said Nemone Routh, racing manager for the Aga Khan’s French Studs.

“We were very happy on Sunday, he had an outside draw so we were keen for him to find cover as he was a bit keen early on at York, but he settled well.

“He seemed to handle the really soft ground well which was pleasing to see, he quickened up really well and was probably a bit unlucky as he just had to come round the Japanese horse who was hanging a bit. Their jockey got a few days for overuse of the whip as well.

“So really Daryz only had a furlong where he was really in the clear, he really picked up and just failed to get there so we were very happy with the run.”

Looking towards his next outing Routh said: “We’ll see how he comes out of the race, but if he takes it well then I think we’ll probably take our chance in the Arc.

“We’d hope the ground wouldn’t be any softer than the other day, as while it was very soft, it wasn’t extreme – but he did handle it.

“He’s only ever run over 10 furlongs, but apart from the race at York he’s always finished his races off well and everything in his pedigree would say he’ll get the trip (mile and a half).

“The only reason he hasn’t run over it before is he has been keen in his races. I don’t think it will be a problem.”

Routh added: “He’s a lovely horse and he’s still learning really, he was a very backward two-year-old and has done a lot in a short space of time. He’s always been a horse we thought would be better at four.”