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 outstanding season thus far, 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 a superb six-length triumph and booked the gelding’s place within the Juddmonte Worldwide at York final week for a primary take a look at at Group One stage 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 operating.
On the flip for dwelling Calandagan started to progress on the skin and within the straight he confirmed a really sensible flip of foot to cross nearly all 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 additional three and a half lengths again as the primary two dwelling broke the observe report set by the nice 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 presently favouring Ascot in October as a substitute.
Calandagan (left) trails Metropolis Of Troy within the Juddmonte Worldwide
“He got here out of the race very well, I’m very 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 laborious to get nearer to the tempo, however he completed actually strongly and he was overwhelmed by a real champion so we have been very 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 might 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 might be wound down for a winter break earlier than returning subsequent 12 months.
Graffard added: “He has alternatives overseas, nevertheless it relies upon if we resolve to attend for subsequent 12 months or if we preserve going this season. That might be determined with the proprietor.”