Stéphane Pasquier is confident that Calandagan, who impressed with a Royal Ascot victory, still has room for improvement as he prepares for the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
The Aga Khan-owned gelding arrived at Royal Ascot after two strong Group Three wins at ParisLongchamp, where he pulled away convincingly at the finish. Stepping up to a mile and a half for the first time at the Royal meeting, he secured a commanding six-length victory in the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes.
Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard has decided to drop Calandagan back to 10 furlongs for the Juddmonte International, where he will face Derby first and second City Of Troy and Ambiente Friendly.
Pasquier acknowledges the challenge but remains optimistic about the progressive three-year-old.
He told Sky Sports Racing, “It’s a tough race, but the horse is good, and I believe he can handle it. I rode him last week, and we have one final gallop scheduled for Thursday. He’s in good form and continues to improve.”
Pasquier, who has achieved significant success in France, including winning the 2006 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Rail Link, also boasts notable wins in England such as the 1000 Guineas on Special Duty and the Prince of Wales’s Stakes with Manduro. When asked about his experience on York’s Knavesmire, the 46-year-old joked, “Don’t worry, I know everything—I ask everyone, use Google Maps, and know every centimetre.”