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| Staff Writer |
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Francis-Henri Graffard is reporting Calandagan to be in "top form" as the talented gelding gears up for a mouthwatering clash with Economics in the Gr.1 Champion Stakes at Ascot next month.
The son of Gleneagles left an indelible impression when romping to a six-length victory in the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Building on that performance, Calandagan was last seen powering up the York straight to finish a clear second behind the imperious City Of Troy in the Gr.1 Juddmonte International.
Being a gelding, Calandagan is ineligible to run on home soil in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, making Qipco British Champions Day on October 19 the obvious destination for this rising star.
Graffard said: "Calandagan in top form and is training to go to Ascot."
The impending battle between Calandagan and the William Haggas-trained Economics is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the autumn calendar. Economics, fresh off his triumph in the Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes, is set to provide stiff competition in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
The Champion Stakes boasts a rich history of producing exceptional winners. Recent victors include Baaeed (2022), who retired undefeated after his Ascot swansong, and Sealiway (2021), who went on to claim the Prix d'Ispahan the following year. The legendary Cracksman completed back-to-back wins in 2017 and 2018, showcasing his dominance in the middle-distance division.
Another Graffard inmate with an upcoming top-level target is the regally-bred Zarigana, who took her career record to two from two with a dominant display in the Group Three Prix d'Aumale at Longchamp.
A granddaughter of the unbeaten Arc heroine Zarkava, the Siyouni filly is being readied for a return to ParisLongchamp on Arc weekend. Graffard has his sights set on Group One glory for this promising juvenile.
"Zarigana is a lovely filly and won nicely and she will be targeted at the Prix Marcel Boussac," Graffard added.
The Prix Marcel Boussac, a Gr.1 contest for two-year-old fillies, has long been a stepping stone to future Classic success. Recent winners include Blue Rose Cen (2022), who went on to claim both the French 1,000 Guineas and French Oaks this year.
With Calandagan and Zarigana flying the flag for France, and Economics representing the British contingent, the autumn showpieces at Ascot and Longchamp are set to attract international attention. The prize money on offer reflects the prestige of these events, with the Champion Stakes boasting a purse of approximately US$1.8 million and the Prix Marcel Boussac offering around US$550,000 to connections.
As the countdown to Champions Day and Arc weekend continues, racing enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating these clashes of equine talent. With top-class performers from various generations set to lock horns, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the European flat racing season.