Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard is setting his sights on an unprecedented achievement with his colt Daryz in the upcoming Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The three-year-old is aiming to become the first horse since 1978 to secure consecutive victories in the race, scheduled for Sunday. Beyond that, Graffard envisions the possibility of Daryz making history by winning a third consecutive Arc, a feat no horse has accomplished.

Graffard expressed confidence in the colt’s capabilities, highlighting Daryz’s combination of experience, strength, and exceptional acceleration. “If he’s kept in training, he could win a third Arc. But we’ll try and win the second one first,” Graffard said. He noted the colt’s remarkable turn of foot, contrasting it with stablemate Calandagan’s style of prolonged acceleration. “Daryz, when you push the power button, is incredible,” Graffard added, emphasizing the importance of favorable ground conditions and racing luck in the high-stakes event.

Among the contenders is Kalpana, who notably defeated Calandagan in July’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. Rider Colin Keane remains optimistic about her chances, citing significant improvement since last year’s Arc, where she finished seven lengths behind the winner. “She feels like a different filly to the one that ran in the race last year,” Keane commented. Referring to her recent victory at the Yorkshire Oaks, he highlighted her response to the request for acceleration, describing it as surprisingly quick and asserting that he wouldn’t trade her for any other runner in the field.

Further interest centers on English contender Maltese Cross, owned by former Hollywood producer George Waud. Waud articulated a clear ambition for the horse, stating, “We’re going there to win the Arc.” He acknowledged Maltese Cross’s progress throughout the season and suggested that the colt’s potential has yet to be fully realized.

As the field gears up for Sunday’s renewal of one of Europe’s premier flat racing contests, Daryz stands out not only for his past success but also for the rare prospect of rewriting the race’s history by securing three consecutive victories. However, with strong challengers such as Kalpana and Maltese Cross, the race promises to be a fiercely competitive affair.