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| Staff Writer |
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The Qipco Champion Stakes is emerging as the likely next port of call for Calandagan following his gallant runner-up finish to a "true champion" in the Juddmonte International at York.
The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained bay has been enjoying a stellar campaign, notching up a Group-race hat-trick that began with triumph in the Prix Noailles before conquering the Prix Hocquart and then the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.
His Royal Ascot romp, a scintillating six-length victory, paved the way for a tilt at Group One glory in the Juddmonte International at York last week, representing owner-breeder the Aga Khan.
Stepping down in trip under Stephane Pasquier, Calandagan found himself mid-division as the early pace unfolded. However, the three-year-old was always travelling with zest as City Of Troy set a blistering tempo up front.
Rounding the home turn, Calandagan began to make headway on the outside. In the straight, he unleashed a devastating turn of foot, scything through the field to give chase to the leader.
City Of Troy held on for a one-length victory, with Calandagan securing a commendable second. The third-placed Ghostwriter was a further three and a half lengths adrift, as the front two shattered the track record set by the legendary Sea The Stars in 2009.
With Calandagan being a gelding, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is off the table. Connections are now eyeing Ascot in October as the next target.
Francis-Henri Graffard said: "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.
"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."
The Gr.1 Champion Stakes boasts a rich history of illustrious winners. Recent victors include Baaeed (2022), who retired undefeated after his Ascot triumph, and Sealiway (2021), who went on to claim the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp. The mighty Cracksman achieved back-to-back victories in 2017 and 2018, emulating the feat of Tristan in 1883 and 1884.
While overseas opportunities beckon once the European season concludes, it remains undecided whether Calandagan will continue campaigning or be given 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."
With his star continuing to rise, all eyes will be on Calandagan as he aims to add his name to the Champion Stakes roll of honour and cement his place among the elite middle-distance performers of his generation.