Daryz draws five for Arc defence as Diamond Necklace lands widest

Defending champion Daryz has drawn barrier five for Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, while Diamond Necklace, a daughter of Coolmore shuttle stallion St Mark’s Basilica, will start from the outside barrier.

All 16 runners remained in the field when declarations closed on Thursday for the €5 million feature at ParisLongchamp on October 4.

Diamond Necklace recorded her first Group 1 victory in last year’s Prix Marcel Boussac and has since won the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, Prix de Diane and Nassau Stakes, but her Arc assignment became harder when she drew barrier 16.

Ryan Moore will ride Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini from barrier one, with Christophe Soumillon booked for Diamond Necklace. Benvenuto Cellini and Diamond Necklace form part of Aidan O’Brien’s three-runner team alongside last year’s runner-up Minnie Hauk.

Minnie Hauk will start from barrier 10, with William Buick taking the ride. The last Arc winner drawn in barrier one was Zarkava in 2008.

Daryz, trained by Francis Graffard, will start alongside stablemate and Prix Niel winner Varandir, who drew four. Mickael Barzalona retains the ride on the defending champion.

Daryz is attempting to become the first colt since Alleged, successful in 1977 and 1978, to win consecutive Arcs.

Joseph O’Brien’s Oaks winner Thundering On drew three and will be ridden by Pierre-Charles Boudot. King George winner Kalpana has barrier six with Colin Keane, while Prix Vermeille winner Friendly Soul starts from seven under James Doyle.

Grand Prix de Paris winner Maltese Cross drew 11, with Tom Marquand aboard. Bay City Roller starts from 15 under Oisin Murphy, while Japanese runners Admire Terra and Meisho Tabaru drew 12 and 13 respectively.