Daryz, the defending champion, has been installed as the 13-8 favorite for Sunday’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp following the draw ceremony held in Paris on Friday evening. The French-trained seven-year-old, guided by Francis Graffard, will start from stall five, a position considered advantageous by connections.

Since capturing last year’s Arc, Daryz has suffered just one defeat, finishing third behind Ombudsman in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot this past summer. He has since regained top form with a win in the Prix Foy at Longchamp, solidifying his status as the horse to beat ahead of the €5 million race.

The British challenge is led by Maltese Cross, trained by William Haggas, who was assigned stall 11 and is the second favorite at 5-1. Another prominent British contender is Kalpana, winner of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, trained by Andrew Balding and drawn in stall six at 6-1 odds.

Ireland’s representation comes primarily from the stable of Aidan O’Brien, who has entered three runners. Diamond Necklace, a four-time Group One winner, will break from the widest stall 16. Alongside her are last year’s Arc runner-up Minnie Hauk, drawn in stall 10, and Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini, positioned in stall one. Completing the Irish challenge is Oaks winner Thundering On, trained by Joseph O’Brien, who will start from stall three.

Trainers and jockeys have expressed confidence across several runners, but the combination of Daryz’s proven performance, favorable draw, and recent form make him the frontrunner for this year’s renewal. The race remains open, however, with multiple Group One winners and top-class contenders vying for one of the most prestigious trophies in European racing. The event is set to take place under expected good conditions on Sunday afternoon at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris.