Graffard Has Champion Stakes In Mind For Juddmonte Runner-Up Calandagan

[Wandering Eyes]

A tilt at the Qipco Champion Stakes is on the agenda for Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) after his valiant second to a “true champion” City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International at York.

Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, Calandagan proved he belonged at the highest level in chasing home City Of Troy, and now connections are eyeing up a return to Ascot where he has already tasted victory in the King Edward VII Stakes.

“He came out of the race really well, I am very pleased to see how he took that race-even better than the race at Ascot,” said Graffard.

“We dropped back in distance so it was hard to get closer to the pace, but he finished really strongly and he was beaten by a true champion so we were very pleased with his run.

“We haven't made a decision yet, but at the moment we are leaning towards the Champion Stakes at Ascot for his next run.”

There will be suitable races overseas once the European season reaches an end, but it is yet to be decided whether Calandagan will stay in action that long or will be wound down for a winter break before returning next year.

Graffard added, “He has opportunities abroad, but it depends if we decide to wait for next year or if we keep going this season, that will be decided with the owner [Aga Khan].”

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