Calandagan and Zarakem offering French resistance to City Of Troy
High-class raiders part of fresh threat to Juddmonte International favourite.
Francis-Henri Graffard hopes his Royal Ascot winner Calandagan is ready to step forward when he takes his chance in the Juddmonte International at York. The Gleneagles gelding faces a star-studded line-up on the Knavesmire, with Derby and Eclipse winner City Of Troy and Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly part of the record 13-strong field for York’s richest-ever race. Calandagan has impressed this year and was a three-quarter-length second on his seasonal reappearance in a Listed event at Saint-Cloud.One for France! Calandagan runs away with the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal @Ascot! pic.twitter.com/WkjFvOGJEZ
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 21, 2024
He then won the Group Three Prix Noailles and Prix Hocquart at ParisLongchamp, with all three of those races coming on soft or heavy ground. Calandagan displayed his versatility when he won the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot on good to firm, and Graffard is confident he is ready to move up to the highest level for the first time, in an event which is part of the Qipco British Champions Series. Graffard said: “He’s in very good form. We gave him time after his win at Ascot and he’s back to his best form and ready to take his chance. He’s ready for the next level and we’ll see where we stand. “The opposition is very strong, but I think York will suit him as it’s a big, galloping track with a long straight compared to somewhere like Deauville.
Durezza working on the Long Hill Polytrack in Newmarket before facing off against City Of Troy at @yorkracecourse next week pic.twitter.com/1daV8zs7nS
— Adam Morgan (@Adam_Morgs) August 13, 2024
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Horse Racing
Four horses who could be targeted at Royal Ascot
As the flat season begins to gather...
-
Horse Racing
Kentucky Derby 2025 – all eyes on Journalism and Baffert
America’s biggest horse race looms on the...
-
Horse Racing
Cheltenham Festival 2025 – Bookies spared bumper payout after opening day carnage
Bookmakers were spared an estimated £50 million...
-
Horse Racing
Rider’s ocular accident underscores importance of protective eyewear
Amid non-stop negotiations surrounding the need to...
-
Horse Racing
Concerns over inadequate facilities for female jockeys as racecourses miss upgrade deadlines
The Professional Jockeys Association (PJA)...
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.