Connections are leaning towards the Qipco Champion Stakes for Calandagan following his commendable second-place finish to a "true champion" in the Juddmonte International at York.
Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the bay gelding has had an outstanding season, winning the Prix Noailles, Prix Hocquart, and King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. The latter victory earned him a spot in the Juddmonte International, marking his Group One debut for owner-breeder the Aga Khan.
In the Juddmonte International, Calandagan, a 13-2 shot under Stephane Pasquier, was held in mid-division by the fast pace set by City Of Troy. He made a strong move on the turn and displayed a smart turn of foot to finish strongly, though he couldn’t catch City Of Troy, who won by a length. The third-placed Ghostwriter was further behind as the top two broke the track record.
As Calandagan is a gelding and not eligible for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, connections are currently favouring a run in the Champion Stakes at Ascot in October.
Graffard commented, "He came out of the race very well and performed even better than at Ascot. We were pleased with his strong finish, and he was beaten by a true champion."
Decisions on his future races, including potential overseas opportunities, will be made in consultation with the owner, but a winter break before returning next year remains a possibility.