Gleneagles’ Calandagan Draws Clear To Deserved Group 1 Win

Sunday saw Calandagan (4g Gleneagles – Calayana, by Sinndar) gain a well-deserved Group 1 win as he powered clear in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.

Francis-Henri Graffard’s charge registered back-to-back Group 3 wins last Spring before bolting up in the Group 2 King Edward Stakes, and had finished second in four Group 1s since then. Sent off favourite to get his head back in front on Sunday, the Aga Khan homebred chased the leaders and was travelling strongly turning for home. Ridden approaching the final furlong, he produced a smart turn of foot to lead soon after and drew clear to win by three and a half lengths, with another two and a half lengths back to the third.

Graffard reflected: “The race went really well for him and I thought he was travelling much more into the rhythm of the race this time. I thought he was really impressive.

“After Epsom my first conclusion was that he needed the run probably against that horse on that ground that day. I thought he came on a lot for that and I think he’s gaining experience with his jockey knowing him better also.

“He’s never run a bad race and he’s either been beaten by a champion or circumstances. Today everything went his way and we saw how good he could be.”

On future plans, the trainer commented: “I will obviously discuss the King George with connections, but he is entitled to go to Ascot, it is a place he has won before and I would like to take him there 100%.”