Holland Cooper Coronation Cup |
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| Group 1, Newmarket 15:10 £425,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 1m 4f, Class 1 |
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Francis-Henri Graffard has made something of a habit of plundering British prizes, and it appears another raid is in the works, with the Coronation Cup at Epsom now firmly pencilled in for the talented Calandagan.
The Frenchman struck gold last season with both Calandagan and Goliath, and after a highly encouraging return to action in the Dubai Sheema Classic—where Calandagan stayed on strongly for second behind Danon Decile—plans are afoot for a return to 12 furlongs on British turf.
“It was a lovely performance for a first run of the season over a mile and a half, and I was very pleased,” said Graffard. “He’s a good horse and I think there’s more to come from him. You’ll see him in two months at Epsom for the Coronation Cup.”
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
Calandagan’s British CV already includes a Royal Ascot win in the King Edward VII Stakes and a bold second to City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International, a contest anointed by Longines as the world’s best race of 2024. He returned to Ascot again in the autumn, finishing runner-up in the QIPCO Champion Stakes, and with his recent Meydan run under his belt, he now heads toward Epsom with proven credentials and unfinished business at the top table.
Coronation Cup
£425,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 1m 4f, Class 1
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