We are now just under a week away from the Juddmonte International at York, and a rather short field of impressive horses from around the world welcomes one more international horse, Francis Graffard’s and the Aga Khan’s unbeaten Daryz who is handed his first test overseas.
Daryz who is set to be Francis Graffard’s pick for the Arc De Triomphe is currently unbeaten over four races over in France, and with the Juddmonte ahead, his rapid improvements may prove enough for him to be a serious player among a field of very impressive horses. Surrounded by Coral Eclipse winner Delacroix, Japanese derby winner Danon Decile, and Prince Of Wales Stakes winner Ombudsman, as well as other very serious competitors meaning keeping his unbeaten streak is a big ask.
However, Daryz’s entry into the Juddmonte may shake things up a bit from the other horses perspective, and tactics may be squandered. Daryz is often a horse who loves the midfield and loves to exploit pace collapses from other horses. This may mean those like Ombudsman and Delacroix may make a further push early with Continuous and Birr Castle as pacemakers for the Aidan O’Brien and John and Thady Gosden teams, and could mean a closer finish between three horses with exceptional turns of foot.
The way Daryz races may also mean Danon Decile can settle at the rear, and favour his outside position to make a dash late in the race. By the looks of things, Daryz’ entry may mean the pace of the race may only be topped late towards the final couple of furlongs as Delacroix, Ombudsman, and Danon Decile will all favour a straight dash, but Daryz’ constantly improving staying ability may make some issues for those like the Japanese horse.
All in all, Daryz will not make massive changes to the race, but each team will ensure their horses are aware, and are in the know of how Mickael Barzalona often likes to exploit gaps during the final stretch. Although, Barzalona could take a different route at York and replicate his ride on Calandagan in the King George, holding Daryz up towards the rear, and testing Delacroix and Ombudsman’s real stamina, choosing Daryz’ untapped turn of foot compared to a consistently pacey gallop towards the lead. The entry will definitely shake things up, but with Daryz’ rapid progression, and his unknown ability in Britain, he isn't counted out, and his first test could be a good one.
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