Calandagan is preparing for the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot after helping stablemate Daryz prepare for his win in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
The latter horse rode Europe’s biggest race on Sunday for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard and the Aga Khan Studs, and soon it will be colleague Calandagan’s turn to target a brilliant autumn prize.
He will compete in the Qipco British Champions Day meeting at Ascot later this month and is apparently in good form, having gone step-by-step with the subsequent Arc hero in a final piece of work for ParisLongchamp.
“Calandagan worked with Daryz before he ran in the Arc,” said Nemone Routh, French racing manager at the Aga Khan Studs.
“They’ve worked really well together, so he’s clearly in top form. He’s still got a few more things to do and then he’ll be ready to compete in the Champion Stakes.”
“All systems are good for the race. He is now very professional in the morning and does everything very easily.
“He prepared Daryz for the Arc and they finished their gallop together, so he’s clearly in good shape!”
Calandagan was last seen winning the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, but he was second in the Champion Stakes on soft grass last season and was untroubled by the surface as he was beaten by just half a length.
“While we think it is better on good ground, it can also handle soft ground well,” Routh added.
“He’s very good in himself and assuming everything goes well between now and then, Ascot is where he goes.”
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