By Sean Cronin
Daryz confirmed his wellbeing with a dazzling turn-of-foot in last week's G1 Prix Ganay and his year-younger half-brother Daryzan (Zarak) was the focus in Tuesday's Prix Mendez, a one-mile newcomers' event, at Saint-Cloud.
The Francis Graffard-trained G1 Prix du Jockey Club and G1 Grand Prix de Paris entry did not disappoint and delivered a scintillating performance of his own to earn a TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard, rosette on debut, becoming the second Rising Star for his Haras de Bonneval-based sire.
“He's an immature horse, we've done a lot of work at the yard to calm him down and I'm very pleased,” said Graffard. “He was ready to make his debut, but I didn't know if he'd handle the [soft] ground. I think he was impressive today and, when Mickael [Barzalona] gave him one flick of the whip, he really flew home. His mother is an incredible broodmare and I think there is plenty of improvement to come.”
The trainer added, “I will have a look at the programme and we'll see how he comes out of the race. He's a nice horse and he has the whole season ahead of him.”
The well-backed 7-10 favourite was not the best away and raced towards the rear of the 14-strong field before making a rapid move forward into contention on the home turn. Tapped for speed momentarily when Modelling (Lucky Vega) quickened two lengths clear approaching the final furlong, he soon engaged turbo and unleashed a telling burst of acceleration to overpower that rival and hit the line with five lengths to spare from Memory (Mehmas).
Daryzan is the latest of 11 foals and eighth scorer from as many runners out of G1 Hong Kong Vase victrix Daryakana (Selkirk), herself one of three black-type winners produced by G1 Prix de Diane and G1 Prix Vermeille heroine Daryaba (Night Shift).
As well as the aforementioned Arc and Ganay hero Daryz, the winner is also a half-brother to G1 Prix Ganay winner Dariyan (Shamardal), the Group/Grade 2-winning duo Darkaniya (Frankel) and Devamani (Dubawi), and the stakes-winning Dariyza (Dawn Approach) and Darabad (Dansili).
Wow! 🔥
DARYZAN – a half-brother to Arc hero Daryz – showcases breathtaking acceleration to strike on debut at Saint-Cloud… @GraffardRacing @AgaKhanStuds pic.twitter.com/9D1Uw5AAVB
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 5, 2026
4th-Saint-Cloud, €24,700, Mdn, 5-5, unraced 3yo, 8fT, 1:45.51, sf.
1–DARYZAN (FR), c, 3, by Zarak (Fr)
1st Dam: Daryakana (Fr) (G1SW-HK, GSW & G1SP-Fr), by Selkirk
2nd Dam: Daryaba (Ire), by Night Shift
3rd Dam: Darata (Ire), by Vayrann (Ire)
Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €12,350. *1/2 to Daryz (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), MG1SW-Fr; Dariyan (Fr) (Shamardal), G1SW-Fr, G1SP-HK & GSP-UAE; Devamani (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), MGSW-US; Darkaniya (Fr) (Frankel {GB}), GSW-Ger & SW-Fr; Dariyza (Fr) (Dawn Approach {Ire}), SW & GSP-Fr; and Darabad (Fr) (Dansili {GB}), SW-Fr. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
O/B-Aga Khan Studs; T-Francis-Henri Graffard; J-Mickael Barzalona.
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