Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud: Calandagan breaks Group 1 hoodoo with battling success for Francis-Henri Graffard | Racing Information
Francis-Henri Graffard’s Calandagan lastly secured a beforehand elusive Group 1 crown with a taking success within the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.
Second 4 occasions on the highest degree since hanging at Royal Ascot final summer season, Francis-Henri Graffard’s four-year-old has locked horns with among the finest round, performing admirably up in opposition to the likes of Metropolis Of Troy and most just lately Jan Brueghel at Epsom.
Nonetheless, returned to dwelling soil he proved a reduce above the opposition in what appeared a stacked contest on paper, storming three and a half lengths away from Christophe Ferland’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe runner-up Aventure.
Graffard stated: “Properly, he isn’t ungenuine. The race went rather well for him and I believed he was travelling far more into the rhythm of the race this time.
Mickael (Barzalona, jockey) stated he nonetheless needed to ask him to maintain up typically in the course of the race however then within the straight, when there may be rhythm and he can observe the tempo, he can actually lengthen and quicken actually strongly. I believed he was actually spectacular.
“After Epsom my first conclusion was that he wanted the run in all probability in opposition to that horse on that floor that day. I believed he got here on loads for that and I feel he is gaining expertise along with his jockey figuring out him higher additionally.
“He is by no means run a foul race and he is both been overwhelmed by a champion or circumstances. At the moment all the things went his approach and we noticed how good he might be.
“I’ll clearly talk about the King George with connections, however he’s entitled to go to Ascot, it’s a place he has received earlier than and I wish to take him there 100 per cent.”
Calandagan’s victory capped a tremendous afternoon for Graffard and the Aga Khan Studs staff as they earlier watched Daryz stay unbeaten with a powerful show within the Prix Eugene Adam.
George Scott’s Bay Metropolis Curler can depend himself unlucky to stumble upon the thrilling son of Sea The Stars, who after being shortened to only 14-1 for the Arc, may make a journey to York for the Juddmonte Worldwide Stakes later in the summertime.
“We’ll take it step-by-step with Calandagan and the following race (at Ascot) is a giant one. However if you wish to speak in regards to the Juddmonte Worldwide then that may be a race I’ll put forwards for Daryz,” Graffard added to Sky Sports activities Racing.
“I’ll talk about with Princess Zahra the place she wish to go, however I’ll in all probability make an entry for Daryz at York and he’s a horse I like loads. I must make him more durable and provides him expertise and I feel he’ll get that if he goes overseas.”