Connections are favouring the Qipco Champion Stakes for Calandagan after his valiant second to a “true champion” within the Juddmonte Worldwide at York.
The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained bay has had an excellent season to date, scoring a Group-race hat-trick that started with success within the Prix Noailles and led to victories within the Prix Hocquart after which the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The latter run was an excellent six-length triumph and booked the gelding’s place within the Juddmonte Worldwide at York final week for a primary check at Group One degree for owner-breeder the Aga Khan.
There he was a 13/2 likelihood below Stephane Pasquier when stepping down in journey, and although left in mid-division by the quick early tempo the three-year-old was all the time travelling effectively as Metropolis Of Troy made the working.
On the flip for house Calandagan started to progress on the surface and within the straight he confirmed a really sensible flip of foot to move the vast majority of the sector and provides chase to the chief.
Metropolis Of Troy held on to a one-length win with Calandagan behind him, and the third-placed Ghostwriter was an extra three and a half lengths again as the primary two house broke the observe document set by the good Sea The Stars in 2009.
Choices for Calandagan’s subsequent outing are narrowed down by the truth that he’s a gelding and due to this fact not eligible for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, with connections at the moment favouring Ascot in October as an alternative.
“He got here out of the race very well, I’m more than happy to see how he took that race – even higher than the race at Ascot,” stated Graffard.
“We dropped again in distance so it was arduous to get nearer to the tempo, however he completed actually strongly and he was overwhelmed by a real champion so we have been more than happy together with his run.
“We’ve not decided but, however in the mean time we’re leaning in direction of the Champion Stakes at Ascot for his subsequent run.”
There will likely be appropriate races abroad as soon as the European season reaches an finish, however it’s but to be determined whether or not Calandagan will keep in motion that lengthy or will likely be wound down for a winter break earlier than returning subsequent yr.
Graffard added: “He has alternatives overseas, but it surely relies upon if we determine to attend for subsequent yr or if we hold going this season. That will likely be determined with the proprietor.”
