ParisLongchamp’s September 6 Arc Trials produced two results with direct implications for the 2026 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: defending Arc winner Daryz won the Group 2 Prix Foy, while three year old Varandir captured the Group 2 Prix Niel.
Both races were run over 2,400 meters at ParisLongchamp, the same distance and venue as the Arc on October 4, making them important late season form checks rather than isolated Group races.
Daryz confirms his standing
Daryz entered the Prix Foy with a strong reputation and justified it. France Galop reported that he tracked the early leader, moved into contention roughly 400 meters from the finish and then went clear to win by 1 1/2 lengths.
The result was especially significant because Daryz is the reigning Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner. His successful return over the championship course and distance strengthens his position heading into the final four weeks before the 2026 Arc.
Bay City Roller and Uthred filled the other leading positions in the field of four, with Daryz again showing that he remains one of the central horses in the European middle distance championship picture.
Varandir steps forward among the three year olds
The Prix Niel provided a separate test for three year olds, and Varandir emerged with the victory. France Galop reported that he came from off the pace, caught longtime leader Montreal late and won by 1 1/4 lengths.
Alam finished second and Pearled Majesty third, giving runners trained in France a sweep of the first three places. For Varandir, the result followed an earlier Group 3 Prix Hocquart win and improved on his fourth place finish in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris in July.
What it means for the Arc
No single trial decides the Arc, but the September 6 card provided fresh evidence over the exact championship course and distance. Daryz reinforced an already established profile, while Varandir gave himself a stronger case among the younger contenders.
The same ParisLongchamp card also produced a major result in the Group 1 Prix Vermeille, where Friendly Soul earned an Arc Wild Card. Read OTB Bet’s Prix Vermeille recap, or follow the broader season through the OTB Bet Race Center.
Source: France Galop official race coverage, September 6, 2026. Featured image: Lumin Osity / Unsplash.
