Marten Julian’s Weekly Roundup 6 October 2025

Having approached last weekend this time a week ago with no strong views about the Longchamp programme, exacerbated by the uncertainty over the state of the ground and the draw, I worked until the early hours on Friday and Saturday night in an effort to find us a bet or two.

I honestly couldn’t find an angle in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but somehow ended up concluding with the words “I get the feeling Daryz will go well in the colours of the late Aga Khan.”

I take no plaudits for this, but the son of Sea The Stars had the scope to improve on his first attempt at the trip. He also had a good draw in stall two and he had form on very soft ground.

Daryz received the perfect Arc ride. Settled on the rails in fifth or sixth, just three lengths off the leaders, he was switched left two furlongs out to track Minnie Hauk. The favourite looked likely to win at that point, but Daryz stayed on strongly to take the lead close home.

I’ve always said the Arc is ultimately a test of stamina and that was what won the day for Daryz. Although untried at the trip beforehand, he is a half-brother to six winners including three at Group/Graded level … Dariyan, Devamani and Darkaniya … and Darabad, a winner of a Listed race over a mile and a half.

His dam Daryakana won her first five races, culminating in the 1m 4f Hong Kong Vase, and his sire numbered the Arc amongst his six Group 1 victories.

Of course the caveat beforehand was that Daryz was unproven over the trip, albeit extremely likely to be suited by it on his pedigree. He had also been well beaten on his only attempt at a Group 1 … when last of six in the Juddmonte International at York … and he had raced keenly in his earlier races.

One trend that held up to inspection was the importance of a low draw, with the first four coming from stalls 2, 1, 3 and 5.

Of the others I was most impressed with Byzantine Dream, who was given a superb ride by Oisin Murphy. Drawn in stall 15, he was dropped out and tucked in behind. Turning into the straight he quickened through a gap only to empty inside the final furlong. With a low draw and faster ground he would definitely have been a contender. He can be confidently noted for a world-class race when he’s back racing on his favoured surface.

Kalpana also warrants a mention. Drawn 10 she stayed on stoutly on the outside of the field to finish seven lengths behind the winner. I hope that she stays in training next season as she can win another Group 1 over this trip.

Later in the afternoon my only selection of the meeting Maranoa Charlie made all to win the Group 1 Prix de la Foret. Again the draw played a part, with the first three drawn 4, 6 and 5. In the circumstances More Thunder ran a blinder from stall 16, last early on and weaving his way through in the closing quarter mile to finish a never-nearer fourth.

Earlier Diamond Necklace sealed her position as a serious Oaks contender, coming with a steady run to win the Prix Marcel Boussac. She is a half-sister to no fewer than eight winners including Group-class performers over middle distances. At 8/1 for the Oaks she doesn’t lack appeal.

Bye for now

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