All eyes will be on Ascot next month.
In anticipation of what promises to be one of the most thrilling matchups of the season, trainer Francis-Henri Graffard has confirmed that Calandagan is in "top form" as he prepares for the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot next month. The highly-anticipated clash with William Haggas’ Economics has racing fans eager for October 19, when British Champions Day will feature this exciting contest between two of Europe’s best middle-distance horses.
Graffard’s talented three-year-old gelding is the 2-1 second favourite for the prestigious Group One event, with only Economics – the Irish Champion Stakes winner – ahead of him in the betting, priced at 6-4 by bookmakers. Both horses have impressed throughout the season, setting the stage for a blockbuster race that could define the campaign.
Calandagan’s Consistent Rise
Calandagan’s ascension to one of the top contenders for the Champion Stakes has been a testament to Graffard’s training and the horse’s resilience. After a dominating victory in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, where he stormed to a six-length win, Calandagan proved he could challenge the best by finishing a strong second to the exceptional City of Troy in the Juddmonte International at York.
French dominance in The King Edward VII stakes! CALANDAGAN romps home under Stephane Pasquire for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard and owner H.H. Aga Khan. #RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/F2WJkwxzvi
— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 21, 2024
While Calandagan has shown his quality, his runner-up position behind City of Troy only further solidified his credentials as one of the leading horses in Europe. Despite his gelding status rendering him ineligible for the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Ascot’s Champion Stakes has always been the main target for Graffard’s rising star.
Graffard remains confident heading into the final stretch of Calandagan’s preparations, stating, “Calandagan is in top form and is training well for Ascot.” His tone conveys optimism and determination, and his confidence is shared by the wider racing community, which is bracing itself for an epic showdown at one of Britain’s most iconic racing venues.
Economics – The Formidable Favourite
On the other side of the track is Economics, who enters as the favourite following his brilliant victory in the Irish Champion Stakes. Trained by William Haggas, Economics has been one of the standout horses of the season, consistently performing at the highest level. His victory at Leopardstown confirmed his dominance and solidified his standing as the horse to beat heading into the Champion Stakes.
While Economics boasts an impressive resume, Calandagan’s camp remains undeterred. The clash between these two powerhouse horses offers a tantalizing mix of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. It’s a contest that could go either way, and both camps are fully aware of the significance of the upcoming race.
Zarigana Gearing Up for Arc Weekend
In addition to Calandagan’s preparation for Ascot, Graffard is also looking forward to another of his stable stars, the unbeaten filly Zarigana. Fresh off a dominant display in the Group Three Prix d’Aumale, Zarigana has quickly established herself as one of the most exciting fillies in Europe.
A granddaughter of the legendary Arc heroine Zarkava, Zarigana’s regal bloodlines have generated significant buzz in racing circles. Graffard has his sights set on the Prix Marcel Boussac at ParisLongchamp on Arc weekend, where Zarigana will look to add another chapter to her blossoming career.
“Zarigana is a lovely filly, and she won nicely in the Prix d’Aumale. She will be targeted at the Prix Marcel Boussac,” said Graffard, expressing his excitement about her future. With two wins from two starts, Zarigana has the potential to follow in the illustrious footsteps of her ancestors, and her presence on Arc weekend will undoubtedly be one of the major highlights of the festival.
A New Chapter for Calandagan
As Calandagan prepares for what could be a career-defining race, British Champions Day will serve as the platform for him to etch his name in the history books. The son of Gleneagles has already proven himself as a force to be reckoned with, but victory at Ascot would take his reputation to another level. With Economics standing in his way, however, the task ahead is monumental.
