One of the most anticipated races of the French season will be run this Sunday over 2100m at Longchamp. First Group 1 on the domestic, and European, schedule, the Prix Ganay customarily sees some of the best older horses on the continent bid for a slice of the €300,000 pie and, of course, the prestige. In the absence of the incumbent Iresine, who was declared forfeit last week, this year’s edition has a somewhat more open flavour. 

It would be wise to focus on the two supplemented horses in the field. Prior to an impressive Gr.2 Prix d’Harcourt success on his seasonal return, Zarakem had never even been a consideration for the Ganay, but the race is now a plainly logical step and Jérôme Reynier’s colt is now a serious contender. 

Much improved, Horizon Doré finished second that day although his late addition to the field was the result of an oversight in the Cottier office. Either way, he runs with the justified confidence of his handler. 

Birr Castle ran a plucky third in the Harcourt and will have progressed in the meantime, as will Feed The Flame [5th], although Pascal Bary’s colt may again find the trip a little too short. He will, however, be more in his comfort-zone over the classic distance in a few weeks’ time.

As for the foreign horses, Germany Derby winner of 2023, Fantastic Moon is no shrinking violet and while still a serious player, he would arguably prefer a bit more give in the ground.

Joseph O’Brien’s Al Riffa has not been seen out since running second to Ace Impact in the Gr.2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano at Deauville last August, holding off Birr Castle by a head, but his youthful handler nevertheless expects his 4 year-old to to get his 2024 campaign off to a positive start.

Gr.3 Prix Exbury winner, Haya Zark faces a much sterner test this time around and is only a secondary choice. Berseford Stakes winner at the Curragh in 2022, Crypto Force is considerably less experienced but is not one to be overlooked. For his part, Zarir most recently won in fine fashion over 2700m on the Chantilly fibresand and, while Francis Graffard is taking something of a punt, it nevertheless looks a calculated punt.